The Congress party condemned the Indian government after retail prices for petrol, diesel, and CNG rose on May 15 [1].
The price increases intensify political tension over inflation and the cost of living for citizens across India. Opposition leaders argue that the government is protecting corporate profits instead of passing global crude oil savings to the public.
Petrol prices increased by Rs. 2.61 per litre, moving from ₹99.51 to ₹102.12 [2]. Diesel prices rose by Rs. 2.71 per litre, increasing from ₹92.49 to ₹95.20 [2]. Other reports indicate these hikes were approximately ₹3 per litre [3]. Additionally, the price of CNG increased by Rs. 2 per kg [3].
These changes represent the fourth overall price hike [2], with some reports noting it as the third increase within a 10-day period [4].
Congress leaders reacted to the announcement. Randeep Surjewala (Congress) said the move was "pickpocketing" [5]. Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "looting public" following the latest adjustments [2]. A party spokesperson said the Prime Minister was an "inflation man" [1].
The party said the hikes are unjustified because global crude oil prices are currently lower than they were in 2014 [6]. Congress leaders said the administration is fleecing citizens to bolster the profits of oil companies [7].
“pickpocketing”
The clash highlights a growing economic friction in India, where the opposition is leveraging global commodity trends to frame the government as indifferent to consumer hardship. By contrasting current crude prices with 2014 levels, Congress is attempting to undermine the administration's economic record and paint the fuel hikes as a deliberate policy of corporate protectionism rather than a market necessity.
