- Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of repeatedly increasing fuel prices.
- Mallikarjun Kharge described the hikes as “Fuel Loot”.
- Congress warned that rising petrol and diesel prices could intensify inflation across sectors.
New Delhi: The Indian National Congress on Monday launched a strong attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over recent petrol and diesel price hikes, accusing the Centre of placing increasing financial pressure on citizens and fuelling inflation across the economy.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government was deliberately increasing fuel prices in phases to avoid public backlash while steadily burdening household budgets.
In a post on X, Gandhi referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Inflation Man” and claimed the government was quietly “picking people’s pockets” through repeated fuel hikes.
Congress Fuel Price Attack Intensifies
Rahul Gandhi said he had warned earlier about an “economic storm” approaching but alleged the government remained focused on elections instead of economic management.
According to Rahul Gandhi:
- Petrol and diesel prices increased sharply after elections
- Fuel hikes would likely continue
- Rising costs are directly affecting ordinary citizens
The second-order effect of sustained fuel price increases could spread beyond transportation costs and impact food inflation, manufacturing expenses, logistics pricing and overall consumer spending across the economy.
Kharge Calls Fuel Price Hikes “Fuel Loot”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also sharply criticised the Centre, calling the repeated revisions “Fuel Loot”.
In his social media post, Kharge claimed this marked the fourth fuel price hike within 10 days.
He alleged:
- Petrol prices rose by ₹7.35 per litre
- Diesel prices increased by ₹7.53 per litre
Kharge further accused the government of profiting from high fuel taxation while ordinary citizens faced rising living costs.
Congress Questions Fuel Taxation and Oil Company Gains
Kharge claimed the government had collected massive revenues through fuel taxation over the past decade.
He also linked the latest fuel hikes to gains in the shares of public sector oil companies including:
- Indian Oil Corporation
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
According to Kharge, the shares of these companies rose after the latest fuel price revision announcements.
The Congress alleged that the government prioritises “profit over people” while consumers absorb rising costs.
Why Fuel Prices Are Politically Sensitive
Fuel prices remain one of the most politically sensitive economic issues in India because they directly affect:
- Household budgets
- Transportation costs
- Food prices
- Agricultural operations
- MSME operating expenses
Opposition parties often target fuel pricing because increases quickly translate into broader inflationary pressure across multiple sectors.
Rising Global Oil Prices Adding Pressure
The latest political clash over fuel prices comes as global crude oil markets remain volatile due to continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Higher international crude prices have increased pressure on domestic fuel pricing, currency stability and inflation management.
Analysts warn that prolonged global energy instability could continue influencing India’s fuel prices and broader economic outlook in the coming months.
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