The Indian National Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the central government increased prices for commercial and domestic LPG cylinders.

These price adjustments impact millions of households and businesses, intensifying the political battle over the cost of living and economic management in India.

According to party representatives, the government is passing the costs of the West-Asia crisis and global oil volatility directly to the public. A Congress spokesperson said, "Inflation man has cracked the whip again."

The price hike for commercial cylinders took effect on June 1, 2024 [3], with costs increasing by up to Rs 53.50 per cylinder [4]. In Delhi, domestic LPG cylinder prices rose by Rs 29 per 14.2-kg unit [5], bringing the rate to ₹942 [5]. These domestic rate changes became effective on June 7, 2024 [5].

Congress leaders have intensified their rhetoric against the administration's fiscal policies. One leader said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the 'inflation man'" [1]. The party argues that the current administration is failing to protect common citizens from market shocks.

Another Congress representative said, "The government is fleecing citizens with this fuel price hike" [2]. The party maintains that the burden of fuel costs is becoming unsustainable for the average Indian consumer, particularly those in urban centers like Delhi.

This criticism follows a pattern of opposition protests regarding fuel costs. The party suggests that the government has failed to insulate the domestic market from international price swings, leading to a direct increase in the cost of essential energy services.

“"Inflation man has cracked the whip again"”

The 'inflation man' label is a strategic attempt by the Congress party to frame the Modi administration as out of touch with the economic struggles of ordinary citizens. By linking global geopolitical instability in West Asia to the kitchen-table issue of LPG prices, the opposition seeks to erode the government's image of economic stability ahead of future electoral cycles.