Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday over the latest fuel price hikes, accusing the government of burdening consumers through repeated increases in petrol and diesel prices after the conclusion of elections. In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at the Prime Minister, calling him 'Inflation Man Modi' and alleging that fuel prices were being raised in phases to soften public backlash.
Rahul Gandhi's Accusations
'Inflation Man Modi strikes again. They raise petrol-diesel prices in instalments—so that your pocket keeps getting quietly fleeced,' Rahul Gandhi said. Claiming he had been warning of an economic crisis, the Congress leader stated that the government had prioritised electoral politics over economic concerns. 'I've been warning for months about an economic storm coming. But Modi ji, as always, was busy with elections at the time, and no sooner had the elections ended than petrol-diesel was hiked by Rs 8. And this rise will just keep going,' he added.
He further accused the Prime Minister of making promises during election campaigns while imposing financial burdens on citizens afterward. 'Inflation Man Modi's only job is promises during elections, and the rest of the time, attacks on the public's pockets,' Rahul Gandhi remarked.
Fuel Price Hikes Details
The remarks came after petrol and diesel prices were increased for the fourth time in less than two weeks amid continued volatility in global crude oil markets and heightened tensions in West Asia. With Monday's revision, petrol prices in Delhi rose by Rs 2.61 to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel climbed by Rs 2.71 to Rs 95.20 per litre. The latest increase follows a Rs 3 per litre hike on May 15, followed by a 90 paise increase on May 19 and another rise on May 23, when petrol became costlier by 87 paise per litre and diesel by 91 paise. Taken together, fuel prices have risen by more than Rs 7 in less than two weeks.
Impact Across Metro Cities
Other metro cities also saw steep increases. In Kolkata, petrol climbed to Rs 113.51 per litre and diesel to Rs 99.82. In Mumbai, petrol now costs Rs 111.21 while diesel is priced at Rs 97.83. Chennai saw petrol rise to Rs 107.77 and diesel to Rs 99.55. The repeated hikes come as oil marketing companies face pressure from elevated global crude prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and fears of supply disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia, particularly concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Economic Concerns
The Congress leader's attack underscores growing concerns over inflation and the cost of living, as fuel price increases have a cascading effect on transportation costs and essential commodities. With no immediate relief in sight, consumers are bracing for further hikes amid global uncertainties.
