Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, May 23: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the Central Government over the continuous rise in the prices of petrol, diesel, and other fuels. Kharge alleged that despite a fall in crude oil prices in the international market, the Centre has failed to provide any relief to common people and has instead repeatedly increased fuel prices.

Post on social media platform X on Saturday, Kharge claimed that petrol and diesel prices had been increased for the third time within the last ten days. According to him, the government has been defending the hikes by comparing India’s fuel prices with those of several other countries, but many nations around the world have actually reduced taxes and provided subsidies during times of crisis to ease the burden on citizens.

The Congress President stated that amid instability in West Asia and global economic uncertainty, countries such as Italy, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ireland have supported their citizens by reducing taxes on fuel or announcing subsidies. He alleged that India, however, is moving in the opposite direction by increasing fuel prices instead of providing relief.

Kharge further said that the impact of rising fuel prices would not remain limited to petrol and diesel alone. According to him, increased transportation costs would lead to higher prices of food products and essential commodities, placing additional pressure on middle-class families, farmers, small business owners, and low-income groups.

He also mentioned that petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG prices have been increased multiple times over the past month. Kharge claimed that on May 1, the price of commercial LPG cylinders had been increased by nearly Rs 1,000. He further stated that on May 15, petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre, while CNG prices increased by Rs 2 per kilogram. According to him, another round of price hikes followed on May 18.

The Congress President additionally pointed out that petrol prices in Delhi had reached Rs 99.51 per litre, while diesel prices stood at Rs 92.49 per litre on Saturday. He concluded by urging the Central Government to reduce taxes on fuel and provide immediate relief to the common people facing rising inflation and increasing living costs.