FuelPrices – Kharge Criticises Centre Over Fresh Petrol and Diesel Increase

FuelPrices – Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led government on Tuesday after petrol and diesel prices were increased once again, accusing the Centre of placing additional financial pressure on ordinary citizens during a period of economic uncertainty.

The latest revision pushed fuel prices higher by nearly 90 paise per litre. This marks the second hike within a week after public sector oil marketing companies resumed fuel price adjustments following a gap of almost four years.

Opposition Questions Timing of Fuel Price Revision

Reacting to the increase, Kharge said the government was repeatedly shifting the consequences of its policy failures onto the public while speaking publicly about financial discipline and savings. In a post shared on X, the Congress leader alleged that the administration was continuing to burden middle-class and lower-income families through rising fuel costs.

He further claimed that the government’s economic decisions were favouring select business interests while common people faced the impact of inflation and higher transportation expenses linked to fuel price hikes.

Remarks Linked to Adani Case in United States

Kharge also referred to recent developments involving businessman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani. His comments came after the US Department of Justice decided to permanently withdraw criminal allegations related to securities and wire fraud proceedings in New York.

Using the issue to target the Centre politically, Kharge alleged that the government’s approach reflected what he described as a compromised governance model. The Congress leadership has repeatedly attempted to connect the ruling administration with controversies surrounding the Adani Group in recent years.

Russian Oil Purchase Issue Raises Political Debate

The Congress chief also criticised the government over India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. He questioned the Centre’s diplomatic handling of the issue and accused the leadership of depending excessively on external approvals regarding energy imports.

Kharge stated that repeated requests for extensions connected to Russian oil-related arrangements weakened India’s global image. He argued that previous governments had not faced similar criticism regarding foreign policy decisions linked to energy security.

His remarks followed reports surrounding the expiration of a temporary sanctions waiver issued by the United States for transactions involving Russian seaborne crude oil. The waiver ended on May 16.

Government Maintains Energy Security Position

Despite the political criticism, a senior official from the petroleum ministry clarified on Monday that India’s decisions regarding Russian oil purchases were based on commercial viability and national energy requirements. According to the official, energy security continues to remain the key factor guiding import choices rather than temporary international waiver arrangements.

India has significantly increased imports of discounted Russian crude since global energy markets were disrupted following geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed by Western nations.

BJP Accused of Focusing on Public Relations

Kharge, who also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, further alleged that the ruling BJP was giving greater importance to political messaging than addressing public concerns linked to inflation and rising living costs.

He said strong international publicity campaigns alone could not establish India’s global leadership image and stressed that governments must remain accountable to citizens on matters affecting daily life.

In another pointed remark aimed at Prime Minister Modi, Kharge said the public was more concerned about inflation, fuel prices, and economic challenges than personal discussions or promotional narratives.

The Congress president concluded by saying that meaningful responses to economic concerns and transparent governance would determine whether the government was truly serving citizens effectively