Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the government of burdening citizens with repeated fuel hikes after elections.
The Congress leader said the government was quietly increasing fuel prices in phases and alleged that the public was being forced to bear the impact of rising inflation and transportation costs.
Rahul Gandhi targets PM over repeated fuel hikes
In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi referred to the Prime Minister as “mehangai manav” and claimed the government raises prices after elections while making promises during campaign periods.
“He raises petrol and diesel prices in instalments, ensuring that people’s pockets are quietly picked bit by bit,” Gandhi said.
The Congress MP also claimed that he had repeatedly warned about economic difficulties and inflationary pressure in the country.
According to Gandhi, the latest round of fuel price hikes reflects a continuing trend that is likely to affect household budgets and the broader economy.
Fuel prices hiked for fourth time in two weeks
Petrol and diesel prices were increased again on Monday, marking the fourth upward revision in less than two weeks.
State-owned oil marketing companies raised petrol prices by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 2.71 per litre.
With the latest revision, petrol prices in Delhi increased from Rs 99.51 per litre to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel prices rose from Rs 92.49 to Rs 95.20 per litre.
Overall, cumulative fuel price increases since May 15 have now reached nearly Rs 7.5 per litre.
Major cities witness sharp increase in fuel rates
Following the latest revision, petrol in Mumbai is now retailing at Rs 111.21 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 97.83 per litre.
In Kolkata, petrol prices have climbed to Rs 113.51 per litre and diesel to Rs 99.82 per litre.
Chennai recorded petrol prices of Rs 107.77 per litre, while diesel rates rose to Rs 99.55 per litre.
Fuel prices continue to vary across states depending on local taxes and levies imposed by state governments.
Rising crude oil prices linked to revisions
Officials and industry analysts have attributed the recent fuel price hikes to elevated global crude oil prices, higher refining costs and the weakening rupee.
Global crude prices have reportedly surged sharply in recent months amid tensions in West Asia, including disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
State-owned oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited — together account for nearly 90 per cent of India’s fuel retail market.
Opposition alleges fuel hikes delayed until after elections
The latest round of increases follows a prolonged freeze in retail fuel prices earlier this year.
Opposition parties have alleged that the government delayed revising fuel prices until after key Assembly elections were completed.
Fuel prices were first increased by around Rs 3 per litre on May 15, followed by another hike on May 19 and a further increase on May 23.
The May 15 revision came shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party secured victories in several state and Union Territory elections, including West Bengal.
The government, however, has maintained that pricing decisions are linked to international market conditions and aimed at balancing rising import costs with fuel supply stability.