FuelPrices – Congress Targets Centre Over Repeated Petrol and Diesel Hikes
FuelPrices – The Congress on Saturday sharply criticised the Central government after another increase in petrol and diesel prices, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led administration of putting additional financial pressure on ordinary citizens while protecting the interests of oil companies.
The opposition party said the continuous rise in fuel prices over recent days has added to the burden already being faced by households due to inflation and increasing daily expenses. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Congress claimed petrol and diesel prices had risen by nearly Rs 5 within nine days.
Congress Raises Concerns Over Inflation Impact
The party alleged that the government was focusing more on the earnings of oil marketing companies rather than offering relief to consumers struggling with higher living costs. Congress leaders stated that several countries across the world were taking measures to support citizens during the global energy crisis, while Indian consumers were facing repeated price revisions.
The criticism came after fresh fuel price increases were announced across several major cities on Saturday. Congress argued that repeated hikes in petrol and diesel rates would affect transportation costs, household budgets, and prices of essential commodities.
Fresh Fuel Price Revision Across Major Cities
Petrol and diesel prices registered another increase in metropolitan regions, marking the third revision in less than 10 days.
In Delhi, petrol prices climbed to Rs 99.51 per litre following an increase of 87 paise, while diesel reached Rs 92.49 per litre after a rise of 91 paise.
Kolkata recorded one of the steepest increases among major cities. Petrol prices there rose by 94 paise to Rs 110.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 95 paise to Rs 97.02 per litre.
Mumbai also witnessed higher fuel costs, with petrol prices increasing by 90 paise to Rs 108.49 per litre. Diesel prices in the financial capital rose by 94 paise to Rs 95.02 per litre.
In Chennai, petrol rates went up by 82 paise to Rs 105.31 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 87 paise, reaching Rs 96.98 per litre.
Earlier Hikes Added Pressure on Consumers
The latest revision follows another fuel price increase introduced earlier this week. During Tuesday’s revision, petrol prices in Delhi had risen from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel rates moved up from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre.
Mumbai had also seen a sharp increase during the previous adjustment, taking petrol prices to Rs 107.59 per litre and diesel prices to Rs 94.08 per litre.
Similarly, Chennai recorded petrol prices of Rs 104.49 per litre and diesel prices of Rs 96.11 per litre after earlier revisions. Kolkata too witnessed significant increases, with petrol reaching Rs 109.70 per litre and diesel climbing to Rs 96.07 per litre earlier in the week.
Jaipur was among the other cities impacted by the upward revision. After the previous increase, petrol prices in the Rajasthan capital stood at Rs 108.91 per litre, while diesel rates touched Rs 94.15 per litre.
Global Energy Crisis Influencing Domestic Prices
The Central government had already increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre on May 15 across the country. The repeated hikes are taking place at a time when global energy markets remain unstable due to ongoing tensions in West Asia.
The conflict in the region has affected international trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most significant maritime passages for crude oil transportation. Concerns over supply disruptions and higher crude oil costs have contributed to pressure on fuel prices globally.
As fuel prices continue to rise, political debate over inflation, energy policy, and consumer relief is expected to intensify in the coming days.