India's Fuel Price Hikes Spark Opposition Outcry After Elections
India's state-run oil companies raised petrol and diesel prices by nearly ₹8 per litre over two weeks in May 2026, the first hikes in over four years, citing rising global crude prices from the Iran war and supply disruptions. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, accused the Modi government of burdening citizens after assembly elections, calling it "daily robbery." Prices in Delhi reached ₹102.12 for petrol and ₹95.20 for diesel, raising inflation and transport cost concerns.
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Union Minister Ramdas Athawale defends fuel price hike, says government is aware of public burden
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale defended the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices during a press conference in Kalaburagi on June 2, 2026. He stated the decision was necessary due to global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and to safeguard India's economy. Athawale acknowledged the additional burden on ordinary citizens but said the government is exploring ways to mitigate the impact. He compared the current government favorably to the previous UPA government, alleging more frequent price hikes under the latter. Responding to criticism from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Athawale said opposition criticism is expected and will not affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He also claimed the Congress gained political advantage by spreading false claims about the Constitution being changed.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Mallikarjun Kharge slams Modi government over fuel prices, questions lack of relief despite fall in crude oil rates
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the Modi government on May 26, 2026, over rising petrol and diesel prices, questioning why no relief was provided despite crude oil prices falling over the past 12 years. Kharge cited PIB data showing that when PM Modi took office in 2014, crude oil was $108.05/barrel and petrol cost ₹71.51/litre, while diesel was ₹56.71/litre. Currently, crude is below $99/barrel, but petrol has surged to ₹102.12/litre (42.8% increase) and diesel to ₹95.20/litre (67.9% increase). He accused the government of profiteering and said rising fuel costs impact all sectors, intensifying inflation on the common man. The article also notes that fuel prices were raised by ₹2.61-2.71 per litre on May 25, the fourth increase in under two weeks, as state-owned retailers pass on rising international oil prices.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Indian Opposition Criticizes Fresh Fuel Price Hike, Accuses Modi Government of Burdening Consumers
On May 25, 2026, the Indian government raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹2.61-2.71 per litre, the fourth increase in ten days, pushing cumulative hikes to nearly ₹7.5 per litre since May 15. Opposition leaders strongly criticized the move. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called it 'daily robbery' and questioned who benefits, alleging the government prioritizes profit over people. Rahul Gandhi labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'mehangai manav' (inflation man), accusing him of raising prices in installments. AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned why India is not buying cheaper crude oil from Russia and Iran. The price hikes have raised concerns about inflation and transportation costs, with petrol now at ₹102.12 per litre and diesel at ₹95.20, their highest since May 2022.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi over fourth fuel price hike in ten days
On May 25, 2026, Indian state-owned fuel retailers raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹2.61-2.71 per litre, the fourth increase in less than two weeks, pushing cumulative hikes to nearly ₹7.5 per litre since May 15. Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him 'Mehangai manav' (inflation man) and accusing him of making promises during elections and attacking people's pockets afterward. The price hikes follow a prolonged freeze and are attributed to rising global crude oil prices, which surged over 50% since late February due to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Petrol in Delhi rose to ₹102.12 per litre and diesel to ₹95.20. The increases have stoked concerns over inflationary pressures and higher transportation costs across the Indian economy.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Rahul Gandhi calls PM Modi 'Mehangai Maanav' after fourth fuel price hike in two weeks
On May 25, 2026, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi after state-run oil companies raised petrol prices by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre, marking the fourth fuel price hike in less than two weeks. Gandhi called Modi 'Mehangai Maanav' (inflation man) on X, accusing the government of quietly fleecing the public through installment-based price increases. He noted that fuel prices remained stable until May 12, just after the conclusion of assembly elections in four states and one union territory, and have since risen cumulatively by nearly Rs 8 per litre. The hikes are attributed to soaring crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions from the ongoing West Asia conflict, though the opposition blames domestic policy mismanagement.
The Indian ExpressCongress Chief Kharge Accuses Modi Government of Fuel Price 'Loot'
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government over the fourth fuel price hike in ten days, calling it a 'daily robbery' that burns common people's savings. Petrol and diesel prices were raised by ₹2.61-2.71 per litre on May 25, 2026, bringing cumulative increases to nearly ₹7.5 per litre since May 15. Kharge claimed the government has 'looted' ₹43 lakh crore in 12 years, and noted that shares of state-owned oil companies rose after the hike. The increases follow a prolonged freeze and are attributed to rising global crude oil prices, a weaker rupee, and tighter refining margins. Prices in Delhi reached ₹102.12 for petrol and ₹95.20 for diesel.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Opposition Slams Fuel Price Hike After Assembly Polls
The Indian Union government's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Left fronts. This marks the first fuel price hike in over four years, attributed to rising global crude prices following the Iran war. The announcement came shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victories in assembly elections in three states, including forming a government in West Bengal for the first time. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, accused the Modi government of forcing the public to pay for its policy mistakes, suggesting further price increases would follow. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh linked the hike to foreign policy alignments with the US and Israel, predicting higher inflation. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress questioned potential VAT reductions in West Bengal, and Left parties demanded a rollback, arguing that oil marketing companies are protecting profits rather than addressing real losses. Protests have already erupted in states like Kerala, highlighting public discontent amidst economic distress.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduIndian Opposition Blames Modi Government for Fuel Price Hikes
Public sector oil marketing companies in India increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre and CNG prices by Rs 2 per kg in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The hike triggered strong criticism from opposition parties, who accused the Modi government of forcing citizens to bear the cost of its policy failures. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated that the public is paying for the government's mistakes, describing the hike as an initial shock with more to follow. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge argued that the economic crisis stems from a leadership failure, noting that the government did not pass on benefits when global crude prices were low. Other leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and representatives from the TMC and CPI-M, condemned the timing and impact of the increase. They highlighted that the delay in announcing the hike was likely due electoral interests and warned that the move would exacerbate inflation, unemployment, and economic distress for millions of Indians, particularly affecting transportation costs and essential commodities.
The Indian Express