diff --git a/loopy/transform/batch.py b/loopy/transform/batch.py
index 7e6b03581e39d03bc06d2f6d37f65a1d4ac6a386..2ad417696fea5d5bd9f200924aa7cf7332964d94 100644
--- a/loopy/transform/batch.py
+++ b/loopy/transform/batch.py
@@ -64,17 +64,15 @@ class _BatchVariableChanger(RuleAwareIdentityMapper):
 
     def needs_batch_subscript(self, name):
         tv = self.kernel.temporary_variables.get(name)
-
-        if name in self.batch_varying_args:
-            return True
-        if not self.sequential:
+        if self.sequential:
+            return name in self.batch_varying_args
+        else:
             if tv is None:
                 return False
             if not temp_needs_batching_if_not_sequential(tv,
                     self.batch_varying_args):
                 return False
-
-        return True
+            return True
 
     def map_subscript(self, expr, expn_state):
         if not self.needs_batch_subscript(expr.aggregate.name):