Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of continuously burdening the public by repeatedly increasing gas prices. He stated that the hike of Rs 42 in commercial LPG cylinder prices earlier, followed by the recent increase of Rs 29 in domestic cylinder prices, is like rubbing salt into the wound.
Sharp Rise in Cylinder Prices
Hooda pointed out that domestic cylinder prices have risen by Rs 89 in just three months. Similarly, commercial cylinder rates have increased by more than Rs 1,500. He also highlighted rampant profiteering on diesel, petrol, CNG, and smaller cylinders. The former chief minister remarked that the government continues to raise the prices of petroleum products even as crude oil prices in the international market are declining.
Comparison with Congress Regime
He added that compared to the Congress regime, global crude oil prices are nearly half of what they were, yet consumers are being charged significantly higher rates. “Prices are high because the BJP government is collecting nearly twice the amount of tax compared to the Congress era. The VAT on fuel in the state, which stood at 9 per cent during the Congress government’s tenure, has been increased to 18 per cent by the BJP,” he said.
Impact on Inflation and Economy
Hooda said rising fuel prices were leading to an increase in the cost of all commodities. “Everything from food items to agricultural input costs is becoming more expensive. In April 2026, wholesale inflation (WPI) reached 8.3 per cent, while the government is celebrating a 7 per cent GDP growth rate. However, if GDP growth is adjusted for inflation, the economy has effectively contracted rather than expanded,” he claimed.
He further stated, “Today, the common public is so distressed by inflation that they are being forced to cut back on daily expenses. The cost of a basic meal has risen to such an extent that people are even compromising on the quality and nutritional value of their food.”
Allegations of Profiteering
The Leader of Opposition alleged that the BJP government is deliberately keeping fuel prices high to generate revenue through excessive taxation. He noted that the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel in Haryana was doubled from 9 per cent to 18 per cent under the BJP rule, directly impacting household budgets. Hooda called on the state government to reduce fuel taxes to provide relief to consumers, especially in light of declining global crude oil prices.
He also criticized the central government for its inaction, saying that the repeated price hikes are a form of indirect taxation that disproportionately affects the poor and middle class. The former chief minister urged the public to hold the government accountable for its economic policies that are fueling inflation and increasing the cost of living.
