FuelPrices – Kejriwal Questions Centre Over Repeated Petrol, Diesel Price Hikes

FuelPrices – Petrol and diesel prices witnessed another increase on Monday, prompting fresh criticism from opposition leaders over the government’s fuel procurement strategy and the impact on consumers across the country.

Petrol and diesel rates were raised for the fourth time in less than two weeks, leading to renewed political debate over fuel affordability and energy imports. Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Centre of failing to take advantage of cheaper international oil supplies despite opportunities available in the global market.

Kejriwal Raises Questions on Oil Imports

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Kejriwal claimed that fuel prices had increased by nearly Rs 7.5 to Rs 8 during the past 10 to 15 days. He said the latest revision had pushed petrol and diesel prices higher by around Rs 2.5 on average in several parts of the country.

Kejriwal also questioned why India was not purchasing larger quantities of crude oil and gas from countries such as Russia and Iran, which he said were prepared to offer supplies at lower rates. According to him, the government should explain what factors were preventing such purchases at a time when consumers were facing repeated price hikes.

The AAP leader argued that rising fuel costs were directly affecting households and transportation expenses, adding pressure on inflation and daily living costs. He maintained that cheaper fuel procurement could provide relief to the public if pursued effectively.

AAP Targets Government Over Timing of Price Revisions

Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharwaj also criticised the Centre over the latest increase in fuel rates. He alleged that the government had delayed significant revisions until after Assembly elections, claiming that gradual price increases were now being introduced in phases.

Bharadwaj said the party had repeatedly warned that petrol and diesel prices would become more expensive once electoral processes concluded. He argued that the latest hike reflected a planned approach rather than a sudden market-driven adjustment.

The comments from AAP leaders come amid continuing public concern over fuel prices, which play a major role in transportation, logistics, and commodity costs across India. Any sustained rise in petrol and diesel rates can also influence inflation trends, affecting food prices and other essential goods.

Fuel Prices Continue to Remain a Political Issue

Fuel pricing has remained a politically sensitive issue in India for several years, especially during periods of global crude oil volatility. Opposition parties have frequently questioned the Centre over taxation policies, import strategies, and pricing mechanisms followed by oil marketing companies.

The government, on the other hand, has often pointed to international market fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions as major reasons behind domestic fuel price movements. Changes in crude oil rates, currency exchange values, and transportation costs are among the factors that influence retail fuel pricing in the country.

The latest round of price hikes is expected to keep the issue in focus as political parties continue to debate economic management and consumer relief measures. Industry observers believe future fuel price trends will largely depend on global crude oil markets and India’s import decisions in the coming weeks.