IPL 2026 with Fewer Crowds? CTI Pushes for Fuel Savings

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has asked the Indian government to cut fuel costs by holding the remaining IPL matches at fewer venues without fans. This move comes as fuel prices in India have risen sharply.

In a letter to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal pointed out that IPL teams have already traveled thousands of kilometers by air and road since the league started on March 31st. While this travel is necessary for logistics, it adds extra fuel costs during tough economic times.

Goyal argued that the IPL seems unaffected by current financial challenges, unlike other areas where expenses are being reduced. He suggested a new schedule for the rest of the IPL season, similar to how matches were held at limited venues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CTI also highlighted the large amount of fuel used by chartered flights transporting teams. For example, a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 jet typically uses about 5,000 to 6,000 liters of aviation fuel per flight, which increases with longer distances and heavier loads. With up to 10 flights per team, this adds up quickly.

Goyal concluded that reducing travel and holding matches without fans would save millions of liters of fuel and ease the financial burden on the country. The IPL is now in its final stages, with playoff matches starting May 26th and the final set for May 31st in Ahmedabad.