Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a fresh attack on the Narendra Modi-led government after petrol and diesel prices were increased for the third time in just over a week, intensifying the political battle over inflation and the rising cost of living.
The latest hike, announced by state-run oil marketing companies, raised petrol prices by nearly 87 paise per litre and diesel by around 91 paise in several cities, taking the cumulative increase over recent days to almost ₹5 per litre.
Reacting sharply to the move, Kharge accused the BJP government of burdening ordinary citizens while attempting to conceal the economic impact until after elections. In a post on X, the Congress chief described the repeated hikes as “installment-based loot” and alleged that the Centre was steadily squeezing household incomes amid already rising inflation.
“The public’s earnings are being looted in installments,” Kharge said, questioning why fuel prices continue to rise despite repeated government claims about economic stability and energy management.
The Congress leader argued that rising diesel prices have a cascading effect across the economy, increasing transportation costs and eventually impacting food prices, household budgets, industrial expenses, and farming operations. He also claimed that the current economic stress was not merely the result of global crude oil fluctuations but reflected what he called a “leadership crisis” within the government.
Kharge further accused the Centre of failing to provide relief to consumers during periods when international crude oil prices were lower. He alleged that the government had collected massive tax revenues from fuel over the past decade without adequately passing benefits to citizens.
The fuel price hikes come amid continuing volatility in global energy markets linked to tensions in West Asia and concerns over supply disruptions.
Government officials have maintained that the revisions are necessary due to rising crude oil costs and pressure on oil marketing companies.
Union ministers have defended the hikes by arguing that India’s fuel price increases remain lower than those witnessed in several other major economies facing similar global pressures. BJP leaders have also accused the Congress of politicising an international energy crisis for electoral gain.
However, the Opposition has attempted to turn the issue into a broader political narrative around inflation, unemployment, and economic hardship.
Over the past several days, Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have repeatedly linked rising fuel prices to what they describe as worsening financial pressure on middle-class and lower-income households.
Political analysts note that fuel prices remain among the most politically sensitive economic issues in India because of their direct impact on transportation, food inflation, and everyday expenses. With several state elections approaching, repeated hikes could further sharpen the confrontation between the ruling NDA government and the Opposition over economic management.
The latest round of increases has also revived debate over India’s dependence on imported crude oil and the government’s long-term energy strategy amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty.
