The central government's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each and CNG by Rs 2 per kg has elicited mixed reactions from consumers in Prayagraj, with many cautioning that the hike will stoke inflation and escalate the cost of essential commodities.
Revised Fuel Prices in Prayagraj
According to the updated rates, petrol in Prayagraj is now priced at Rs 97.62 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 90.92 per litre. This marks the first price increase in over four years, driven by global crude oil prices crossing USD 100 per barrel amid supply disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Opposition Parties Criticize the Move
Opposition parties have strongly criticized the price hike. Mukund Tiwari, general secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, alleged that the decision was deliberately postponed until after the assembly elections in five states concluded. He stated, "The government has left people in a catch-22 situation. Fuel price hikes will trigger a rise in the cost of essential commodities and transport."
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Daan Bahadur Madhur accused the BJP government of "once again burdening common citizens." He elaborated, "People are facing daily shocks of inflation while the government highlights development through advertisements. The poor are struggling with rising kitchen expenses, farmers' input costs are increasing, and youth earnings are shrinking." He further warned that voters would respond in the 2027 assembly and 2029 parliamentary polls.
Government Defense
Defending the price hike, BJP spokesperson Vivek Mishra asserted that the Modi government had shielded citizens from global oil shocks for over two months and introduced only a "limited and calibrated" increase, even as prices surged sharply in many other countries.
Consumer Reactions
Residents of Prayagraj expressed divided opinions. While some feared a rise in the cost of essentials, others acknowledged that the hike reflected global supply disruptions impacting fuel markets worldwide. Sandeep Bhargava, a resident of Civil Lines, noted that the increase was among the lowest compared with major economies. However, Anjali, a fashion designer, said, "The cost of essential goods and local travel is likely to rise. We will have to adjust our monthly budget."
The author, Kapil Dixit, covers crime, traffic, health, administration, politics, and offbeat stories from Prayagraj. He has extensively covered the Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Magh Melas, and state assembly as well as parliamentary polls from 2002 to 2025. His hobbies include reading, writing, and meeting people with diverse interests.
