Kharge Slams Centre Over Rising Fuel Prices

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticised the Narendra Modi government over the continuous rise in petrol and diesel prices across the country. Accusing the Centre of burdening common citizens, Kharge alleged that the government was “burning people’s savings with petrol.” He pointed out that petrol prices, which stood at ₹71.41 per litre in 2014, have now surged to ₹102.12 in Delhi by 2026. Kharge questioned who was benefiting from what he described as a “daily fuel loot” and claimed that fuel prices had been increased for the fourth time within two weeks.

The Congress chief further alleged that the Modi government had collected nearly ₹43 lakh crore through fuel taxes over the last 12 years. He also noted that shares of HPCL, BPCL and IOC rose sharply following the latest fuel price hike, accusing the BJP government of prioritising profits over public welfare. Meanwhile, state-run oil companies increased petrol prices by ₹2.84 per litre and diesel by ₹2.86 nationwide from 6 AM today. Following the hike, petrol prices in Hyderabad reached ₹115.58 per litre, while diesel climbed to ₹103.74.