FuelPrices – Kharge Questions Repeated Fuel Rate Hikes Across India
FuelPrices – Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge intensified his criticism of the Centre on Monday after another increase in petrol and diesel prices, claiming the repeated revisions are placing a heavy financial burden on ordinary citizens across the country.
Congress Targets Government Over Fuel Price Increase
Kharge reacted sharply after fuel retailers announced another rise in petrol and diesel rates, marking the fourth increase within a span of less than two weeks. The latest revision comes as oil companies continue adjusting domestic prices in response to higher international crude oil costs linked to tensions in West Asia.
In a statement shared on X, the Congress leader questioned who was gaining from what he described as a “daily robbery” through continuous fuel price hikes. He accused the government of damaging household savings by repeatedly increasing the cost of essential fuels.
Comparison Between UPA and NDA Governments
The Congress chief also compared fuel pricing trends during the United Progressive Alliance government and the current administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Kharge, international crude oil prices had witnessed a steep rise during the UPA period, yet the scale of domestic fuel price increases was lower compared to recent years.
He claimed that petrol prices had climbed significantly since 2014, while diesel prices had also recorded a major jump during the same period. Kharge argued that these increases have happened despite comparatively moderate global crude price movements under the current government.
Impact on Household Budgets and Businesses
Highlighting the broader economic impact, Kharge said repeated fuel price increases affect nearly every sector of society. He stated that higher transportation and logistics expenses eventually push up the prices of daily-use goods, adding pressure on families already dealing with inflation.
The Congress leader further said farmers, small businesses, and micro, small and medium enterprises are among the worst affected by rising fuel costs. According to him, increased diesel prices directly influence agricultural operations and freight movement, leading to higher production and distribution expenses.
Oil Company Shares Witness Gains
Kharge also pointed to the stock market performance of major public sector oil companies following the latest fuel revision. He noted that shares of companies including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation moved higher after the price hike announcement.
Using this market reaction to support his criticism, he alleged that corporate profits were being prioritised over the concerns of consumers struggling with rising living expenses.
Fuel Prices Rise Again in Delhi
With the latest increase, the total rise in petrol and diesel prices since revisions resumed on May 15 has approached nearly Rs 7.5 per litre. Industry officials said petrol prices were increased by Rs 2.61 per litre, while diesel became costlier by Rs 2.71 per litre.
In Delhi, petrol prices reached Rs 102.12 per litre after the revision, compared to the earlier rate of Rs 99.51. Diesel prices also increased to Rs 95.20 per litre from the previous Rs 92.49 per litre.
Inflation Concerns Continue to Grow
Economists and industry observers believe frequent increases in fuel prices may further intensify inflationary pressures in the coming weeks. Since transportation costs influence the pricing of food items, consumer goods, and industrial supplies, sustained increases in petrol and diesel rates could have a wider effect on the overall economy.
The latest hike has once again triggered political debate over fuel taxation, global crude oil dependency, and the financial impact on consumers already coping with rising expenses in several sectors.