Higher crude prices fuel bank lending boom; credit growth hits 17.7%, fastest since June 2024

Bank lending saw its fastest growth in almost two years by May 31, 2026. Credit expanded significantly, reaching Rs 215.2 lakh crore. This surge occurred as bank deposits decreased by Rs 2.3 lakh crore. The gap between loans and deposits widened. Oil marketing companies and government schemes contributed to higher credit demand. Deposit growth lagged behind credit expansion.