Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, May 26: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has once again launched a sharp attack on the Central government over rising petrol and diesel prices in India, even as global crude oil prices have reportedly declined. He questioned why ordinary citizens are not receiving the benefit of lower international crude rates.

Post on X on Tuesday, Kharge cited official data and pointed out that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on May 26, 2014, India’s average imported crude oil price stood at $108.05 per barrel, while the rupee-dollar exchange rate was ₹58.59. At that time, petrol was priced at ₹71.51 per litre and diesel at ₹56.71 per litre in the domestic market.

Kharge further claimed that despite crude oil prices falling below $99 per barrel in the global market at present, fuel prices in India have increased significantly. According to his statement, petrol is now priced at ₹102.12 per litre, while diesel stands at ₹95.20 per litre. He also stated that over this period, petrol prices have increased by approximately 42.8 percent and diesel prices by nearly 67.9 percent.

The Congress leader argued that the rise in fuel prices is directly impacting transportation costs, food prices, and essential commodities, thereby increasing the financial burden on common citizens. He added that inflationary pressure on households continues to rise due to higher fuel costs, affecting daily life across the country.