Kharge Slams Centre Over Fresh Fuel Price Hike
Kharge claimed that over the past 12 years, the government has "looted" Rs 42 lakh crore, which he said amounts to nearly Rs 1,000 per day
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised the Central government over the fourth fuel price hike in 10 days, alleging that farmers, small industries and every section of society are "bearing the brunt of BJP's loot of the country."
"The Daily Assault of FUEL LOOT is not over yet!" Kharge wrote in a post on X.
Kharge claimed that over the past 12 years, the government has "looted" Rs 42 lakh crore, which he said amounts to nearly Rs 1,000 per day.
"Every fuel price hike is another blow to household budgets, and has a cascading effect on every aspect of the economy. From farmers to MSMEs, every strata of the society bears the brunt of the BJP's LOOT," he said.
The latest revision follows three successive hikes in recent days. On May 15, petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 3 per litre each. This was followed by another hike on May 19 of 90 paise per litre. On May 23, petrol prices were raised by 87 paise per litre, while diesel went up by 91 paise per litre.
Recalling fuel prices during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government between 2004 and 2014, Kharge claimed that despite sharp increases in global crude oil prices at the time, the impact on consumers had been cushioned.
"Modi Govt has sprinkled Petrol to burn the savings of common people. Between 2004 and 2014, during the UPA, international crude oil prices increased by 175.34%. During the Modi Govt, not even a single cent of international crude oil prices have increased," Kharge wrote.
"Despite that, the Modi Govt has hiked petrol prices from Rs 71.41 per litre in 2014 to Rs 102.12 per litre in 2026, a rise of 43.01%, and diesel prices from Rs 56.71 per litre to Rs 95.20 per litre, an increase of 67.87%," he added.
Kharge further alleged that the Modi government had "looted Rs 43 lakh crore in the last 12 years, making it a loot of Rs 1,000 every day."
Claiming that the BJP prioritises profits over people, Kharge pointed out that shares of oil marketing companies rose following the latest fuel price hike.
"With the 4th rise in petrol and diesel prices, today the shares of HPCL, BPCL and IOC rose by 5.8%, 4.44% and 3.90% respectively. Profit over People is BJP's DNA!" he wrote, asking, "Who is benefitting from this daily robbery?"
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also questioned the government's stance on fuel supply.
"On one hand, you claim there is no shortage in the country; on the other, you keep raising prices. PM Modi, by administering an injection of communalism to the public and then doing whatever you please... future generations will never forgive you," Tiwari told ANI.
Following the latest revision, petrol prices in Delhi crossed the Rs 100 mark, rising by Rs 2.61 to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel prices increased by Rs 2.71 to Rs 95.20 per litre.
Meanwhile, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in Delhi were also increased by Rs 1 per kg on Saturday — the third hike in 10 days — taking the retail price to Rs 81.09 per kg.
The repeated hikes come amid pressure on oil marketing companies due to elevated global crude oil prices, currency fluctuations and concerns over supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.
A key concern remains the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transit route. Any instability or perceived threat in the region typically results in a sharp rise in international crude prices.
The continued rise in petrol, diesel and CNG prices is expected to increase logistics and transportation costs further, potentially pushing up retail inflation and impacting household budgets as well as commercial transport sectors across the country.
