Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi as ‘Mehangai Manav’ over fuel price hike

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New Delhi, May 25

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the Center of putting additional financial pressure on people soon after elections.

In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the government had raised fuel prices in phases to quietly burden the public. He said the BJP-led government focused on election promises during the polls but raised prices after the elections.

The criticism came after state-owned fuel retailers raised petrol and diesel prices again on Monday. According to industry sources, petrol prices increased by Rs 2.61 per liter, while diesel prices rose by Rs 2.71 per liter. This marks the fourth fuel price revision since May 15.

With the latest revision, petrol in Delhi is now priced above Rs 102 per liter, while diesel has crossed Rs 95 per liter. Fuel prices have also risen sharply in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Rates continue to vary across states depending on local taxes.

The recent increases follow rising international crude oil prices, higher import costs, and pressure on refining margins. Global oil prices have remained elevated amid tensions in West Asia and disruptions in major shipping routes.

Opposition parties have accused the government of delaying fuel price hikes until after key state elections. The Center, however, has maintained that previous price freezes were aimed at protecting consumers from inflationary pressure.

The repeated rise in fuel prices is expected to increase transportation costs and may add to inflation concerns across sectors in the coming weeks.