New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the Narendra Modi led central government following the latest hike in fuel prices, saying ordinary citizens were being forced to bear the consequences of the government’s decisions.
The sharp reaction from the Congress leader came after petrol prices were increased by Rs 3.14 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.11 per litre amid rising international crude oil prices and supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. CNG prices were also raised by Rs 2 in several regions, adding to concerns over inflation and rising household expenses.
In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of passing the burden onto the public and warned that the latest increase could be followed by further financial pressure in the coming months. Referring to the fuel price hike as a “₹3 shock”, he remarked that the public had already begun paying the price while additional recovery would continue gradually.
The Congress party also intensified its attack on the government, alleging that the latest fuel revision would worsen inflation and impact middle class as well as lower income families. Party leaders argued that the rise in fuel costs would eventually affect transportation, food prices and essential commodities across the country.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the situation as a government created crisis and said the economic burden was now falling directly on common citizens. He claimed that apart from the global fuel situation, domestic economic challenges were being aggravated by policy failures and weak leadership at the Centre.
The fuel price increase comes at a time when consumers are already facing higher living costs in several sectors. Opposition parties have indicated that they will continue to raise the issue politically, arguing that the latest hike could place additional pressure on household budgets and small businesses nationwide.
