New Delhi, May 26: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized the central government over the rising prices of petrol and diesel, despite a decrease in crude oil prices. He took to social media platform X to express his concerns, citing data from the Press Information Bureau.
Kharge pointed out that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on May 26, 2014, the Indian basket of crude oil was priced at $108.05 per barrel, with the dollar-rupee exchange rate at 58.59 rupees. At that time, petrol was available at 71.51 rupees per liter and diesel at 56.71 rupees per liter.
Currently, crude oil prices are below $99 per barrel, yet petrol and diesel prices have surged to 102.12 rupees and 95.20 rupees per liter, respectively. Kharge claimed that despite the drop in crude oil prices, petrol has become approximately 42.8% more expensive, while diesel has increased by about 67.9%.
He emphasized that every economist understands that the inflation of petrol and diesel affects all sectors, from transportation to food items, ultimately burdening the common man. Kharge accused the government of profiteering and questioned why petrol and diesel prices have not decreased to provide relief to the public.
In related news, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) announced another increase in CNG prices, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks. In Delhi, CNG prices have risen by 2 rupees per kilogram, bringing the new price to 83.09 rupees per kilogram, up from the previous 81.09 rupees.