FuelPrices – Kharge Questions Centre Over Continuing Rise in Petrol Rates
FuelPrices – Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday intensified criticism of the central government over the repeated increase in petrol and diesel prices, arguing that consumers have not received any meaningful relief despite a decline in global crude oil rates over the past several years.
Kharge Compares Fuel Rates With 2014 Figures
In a post shared on X, Kharge referred to official data released by the Press Information Bureau and compared fuel and crude oil prices from May 26, 2014, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi first took office, with current market conditions.
According to the Congress chief, the Indian crude oil basket was priced at USD 108.05 per barrel at that time, while the rupee traded at Rs 58.59 against the US dollar. Petrol was then selling at Rs 71.51 per litre and diesel at Rs 56.71 per litre.
Kharge pointed out that although international crude oil prices are now lower than they were in 2014, retail fuel prices across the country have climbed sharply. He stated that petrol currently costs around Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel is being sold at approximately Rs 95.20 per litre.
Congress Raises Inflation Concerns
Highlighting the wider economic effect of higher fuel rates, Kharge said rising petrol and diesel prices directly influence transportation costs and the prices of daily essentials. He argued that this eventually places additional financial pressure on ordinary households already dealing with inflation.
The Congress leader claimed that economists widely acknowledge the link between fuel costs and inflation across sectors such as logistics, food supply, agriculture, and public transportation. He questioned why consumers are not benefiting when global crude prices have softened compared to earlier years.
Kharge further alleged that the government continues to collect substantial revenue through fuel pricing policies while the burden on consumers keeps increasing. He asked who was benefiting from the continued rise in fuel costs despite lower international crude prices.
Opposition Intensifies Attack Over Fuel Hike
The remarks came a day after the Congress launched a broader political attack against the Narendra Modi-led government over the latest fuel price revision. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the increase, accusing the government of making promises during elections while placing financial strain on citizens through inflation and rising daily expenses.
The opposition party has been consistently raising concerns over fuel taxation and retail pricing, especially during periods when crude oil prices fall in the international market. Congress leaders have argued that lower crude costs should translate into cheaper petrol and diesel for consumers.
Fresh Fuel Price Increase Sparks Debate
The latest criticism follows another increase in petrol and diesel prices announced on Monday. State-owned oil marketing companies raised petrol and diesel rates by around Rs 2.61 to Rs 2.71 per litre, marking the fourth hike within less than two weeks.
Fuel retailers have attributed the revision to fluctuations in international oil markets and rising global energy costs. However, opposition parties maintain that central and state taxes continue to keep retail fuel prices elevated even when crude oil prices decline.
The debate over petrol and diesel pricing remains politically significant as fuel expenses affect transportation, household budgets, and the overall cost of living. Analysts say any sustained increase in fuel rates could also have a broader impact on inflation trends in the coming months.