The Congress party on Sunday took a swipe at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government after CNG prices were increased again in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), marking the second hike within two days. Sharing a post on X, the Congress alleged that the Centre had burdened consumers with repeated fuel price hikes soon after the conclusion of the elections.
Congress Accuses Modi of Post-Election Burden
In its post, the Congress stated, "'Mahngai Man' Modi whips out his lash again, CNG prices rise once more today." Highlighting the back-to-back hikes in CNG rates, the party pointed out that prices were increased by Rs 2 per kilogram on May 15 and by another Re 1 per kilogram on May 17, alleging that consumers were being hit with higher fuel costs immediately after the elections. "So far, Modi has made CNG 3 rupees dearer. The moment the elections wrapped up, Modi's cash collection kicked off," it added.
Details of the CNG Price Hike
The remarks came after CNG prices were increased by Re 1 per kilogram on Sunday. With the latest revision, CNG in Delhi will now cost Rs 80.09 per kilogram. In Noida and Ghaziabad, CNG prices have risen to Rs 88.70 per kilogram. The price list for other cities includes Greater Noida at Rs 88.70, Muzaffarnagar at Rs 88.58, Meerut at Rs 88.58, and Shamli at Rs 88.58. This is the second hike in two days. Earlier on May 15, city gas distributors had raised CNG prices by Rs 2 per kilogram, pushing rates in Delhi from Rs 77.09 to Rs 79.09 per kilogram.
Impact on Transportation
The back-to-back hikes are expected to increase transportation costs across the NCR region, especially for commuters dependent on CNG-run autos, taxis, and private vehicles. The latest CNG revision comes close on the heels of a broader fuel price hike announced by state-run oil marketing companies on Friday, when petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre across the country. Petrol in Delhi now costs Rs 97.77 per litre, up from Rs 94.77, while diesel prices have risen to Rs 90.67 per litre from Rs 87.67. The revised rates came into effect on Friday.
Global Factors and Government Response
Despite the increase, industry sources said the hike accounts for only a fraction of the actual rise required to fully offset the sharp surge in global energy prices since the West Asia conflict began. The price hike comes after global crude oil prices climbed sharply amid tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, along with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Crude prices, which were around $70 per barrel before the conflict, have surged to nearly $105 per barrel. The Centre, however, had earlier repeatedly maintained that there is no shortage of fuel supplies in the country and that there are no plans to ration petrol, diesel, or LPG despite concerns over global supply disruptions.
Future Price Hikes Possible
Meanwhile, oil industry executives indicated that further fuel price hikes cannot be ruled out, though any future revisions would depend on government approval and the evolving global energy situation. According to Crisil, state-run oil marketing companies are still incurring losses of around Rs 10 per litre on petrol and Rs 13 per litre on diesel despite the latest increase. Fuel prices in India had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre excise duty cut announced by the Centre in March 2024 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Congress Protests Against Rising Prices
Earlier on Saturday, Congress party workers also staged protests against rising prices of petrol, diesel, and milk, with leaders arriving in bullock carts to highlight the growing burden of inflation on ordinary citizens.
