State-run refiner Indian Oil Corporation on Thursday reported a more than four-fold jump in its standalone net profit for the December quarter, driven by a sharp improvement in refining and marketing margins and higher fuel sales, even as its petrochemicals business continued to remain under pressure. IOC posted a standalone net profit of Rs 12,125.86 crore in Q3 FY26, compared with Rs 2,873.53 crore in the same period a year ago, according to a stock exchange filing. The strong earnings performance came as softer crude oil prices boosted refining profitability — a key driver for fuel producers — while domestic fuel consumption remained firm.