Modi govt has sprinkled petrol to burn common people’s savings: Kharge lashes out at BJP

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 25, 2026: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday strongly criticised the Modi government over the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that the Centre was burdening common people while benefiting oil companies.

His remarks came after petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 2.61-2.71 per litre on Monday, marking the fourth fuel price hike in less than two weeks. The cumulative increase in fuel prices since May 15 has now nearly touched Rs 7.5 per litre.

In a post on X, Kharge termed the repeated hikes as “fuel loot” and accused the government of hurting household savings. “The daily assault of fuel loot is not over yet. Fourth hike in 10 days. The Modi government has sprinkled petrol to burn the savings of common people,” he said.

The Congress chief claimed that while international crude oil prices had risen sharply during the UPA government between 2004 and 2014, the current BJP-led government had still increased fuel prices significantly despite comparatively stable global crude prices during much of its tenure.

Kharge said petrol prices had risen from Rs 71.41 per litre in 2014 to Rs 102.12 in 2026, while diesel prices had increased from Rs 56.71 to Rs 95.20 per litre during the same period.

Alleging that the government had earned massive revenues through fuel taxes, Kharge claimed the Centre had “looted” Rs 43 lakh crore over the past 12 years. He further alleged that the latest fuel price hike had boosted the shares of state-owned oil marketing companies such as Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation.

“Profit over people is BJP’s DNA,” Kharge alleged, adding that every increase in fuel prices had a cascading impact on household budgets, transportation costs, farmers and MSMEs.

Fuel prices were last revised on May 23, following earlier hikes on May 15 and May 19. According to industry sources, petrol prices in Delhi rose to Rs 102.12 per litre on Monday, while diesel rates increased to Rs 95.20.

After the latest revision, petrol prices in Mumbai reached Rs 111.21 per litre and diesel Rs 97.83. In Kolkata, petrol rose to Rs 113.51 and diesel to Rs 99.82, while in Chennai, petrol was priced at Rs 107.77 and diesel at Rs 99.55.

The recent hikes come amid elevated global crude oil prices, tighter refining margins and a weaker rupee, which have increased import costs for fuel retailers. Global crude prices have surged sharply since late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and disruptions in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.