Union Minister Hardeep Puri said India is the only country that has not increased petrol and diesel prices for four years [1].
The statement addresses growing public concern and media speculation regarding fuel costs. Because energy prices directly impact inflation and transport costs, any perceived shift in government policy can trigger market volatility and public unrest.
Speaking April 23, 2026, Puri said India remains the only nation in the world to maintain stable petrol and diesel prices over a four-year period [1]. The comments were made to refute reports suggesting the government intended to raise prices following recent state elections.
Some media reports had speculated that fuel costs could rise by Rs 25–28 per litre [2]. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said these reports were fake and mischievous, and that the government has no plan to raise petrol and diesel prices [3].
The ministry's pushback comes as India seeks to highlight its ability to provide affordable energy despite ongoing global energy crises [4]. By maintaining price stability, the government aims to protect consumers from the price shocks seen in other international markets.
Government officials said there is no proposal under consideration to hike rates at this time [5]. This denial contradicts earlier projections that suggested a sharp increase was imminent once the electoral cycle concluded [2].
“"India is the only country in the world that has not increased petrol and diesel prices for four years."”
The Indian government is prioritizing price stability to manage inflation and maintain political stability. By explicitly denying a post-election price hike, the administration is attempting to neutralize market speculation that could lead to panic buying or economic instability, while positioning itself as a global outlier in energy affordability.
