India's domestic oil product sales rose 8.7 per cent in May from a year ago as increased farm consumption and higher summer demand triggered the biggest growth in nine months, data showed.

The government expects sales, which have grown strongly for the second straight month, to slow down gradually on higher energy substitution once supply starts from huge gas reserves off the eastern Indian coast.
Diesel sales were up 15 per cent as irregular power supply in many parts of the country in the peak demand period prompted consumers to switch to diesel-run generators, while farmers bought more of the fuel as the harvest season neared.
Petrol consumption rose by 13.1 per cent, while naphtha sales continued to clock strong growth, rising 14.3 per cent.
The figures predate India's decision to raise retail fuel prices last month.