Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Government for Fuel Price Hikes

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the Indian government for its recent fuel price hikes, claiming it is quietly robbing citizens. He argues that while prices were controlled during elections, they are now being raised incrementally. Alongside him, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has pointed out the negative impact of these increases on various sectors of society. This article delves into the implications of these price hikes and the broader economic concerns they raise.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 13:10 IST

Opposition Leader's Strong Remarks on Fuel Prices

On Monday, Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, condemned the central government's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in ten days. He accused the government of stealthily robbing citizens' pockets. Gandhi asserted that fuel prices were kept in check during the elections, but now they are being raised incrementally, a trend he believes will continue.

Labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a proponent of inflation, Gandhi stated that he had previously warned about an impending economic storm, but claimed that the Prime Minister was preoccupied with election campaigning at that time.

Concerns Over Rising Fuel Costs

In a post on X, the Congress leader remarked that Modi has resumed his role in raising fuel prices in installments, allowing for a quiet depletion of citizens' finances. He noted that after months of warning about the looming economic crisis, the Prime Minister was busy with elections, and immediately after, petrol and diesel prices surged by ₹8. Gandhi emphasized that this increase would persist, accusing Modi of making promises during elections while attacking the public's finances at other times.

Congress President Joins the Critique

Earlier today, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also targeted the government, claiming that every segment of society, from farmers to small industries, is suffering due to the BJP's exploitation of the nation. In a post on X, Kharge stated that the daily cycle of fuel exploitation has not yet ended. He pointed out that each hike in fuel prices further impacts household budgets and has widespread implications for the economy, affecting all sectors from agriculture to small and medium enterprises.

Recent Fuel Price Adjustments

This latest adjustment follows three consecutive price hikes in recent days. On May 15, petrol and diesel prices were raised by ₹3 per liter. This was followed by an increase of ₹0.90 per liter on May 19, and on May 23, petrol prices rose by ₹0.87 per liter while diesel prices increased by ₹0.91 per liter. The continuous pressure on oil marketing companies is attributed to rising global crude oil prices, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and supply concerns due to ongoing tensions in West Asia.