New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the government of burdening citizens while keeping prices subdued during election periods.
His remarks came after state-run oil marketing companies increased fuel prices once again, marking the fourth revision in less than two weeks as international crude trends continue to influence domestic retail rates.
Calling the Prime Minister “mehangai manav” in a post on social media platform X, Gandhi alleged that fuel prices were being increased in phases, gradually impacting household budgets without drawing immediate attention. He further claimed that while election campaigns focus on promises, post-election periods see a rise in public expenses.
Gandhi also said he had earlier warned of rising inflationary pressure, adding that price hikes were expected to continue in the coming period. He accused the government of timing price revisions in a manner that, according to him, places additional strain on consumers once electoral cycles are over.
Fuel prices have witnessed a steady upward movement since mid-May, with cumulative increases amounting to several rupees per litre. Petrol and diesel rates have been revised multiple times in recent days, reflecting global crude oil movements, currency fluctuations, and higher import costs.
According to industry sources, the latest revision alone added over two rupees per litre to both petrol and diesel prices. With repeated increases since May 15, fuel costs have climbed significantly across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, though exact retail rates vary depending on local taxes.
Oil marketing companies, which dominate India’s fuel distribution network, have attributed the hikes to sustained pressure from global crude markets and rising procurement costs. Experts point out that international oil prices have surged in recent months due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in supply routes, adding further strain on domestic pricing.
The recent wave of revisions follows a period during which retail fuel prices remained unchanged despite volatility in global crude oil rates. Government sources have previously stated that pricing decisions were influenced by the need to balance consumer protection with market realities.
The opposition, however, continues to question the timing and frequency of the increases, arguing that the burden is ultimately being passed on to common households and transport-dependent sectors.
With fuel prices once again on an upward trajectory, concerns over inflationary pressure and its impact on essential goods and services are expected to remain a key point of political debate in the coming days.
