Fourth fuel price hike in 10 days draws opposition criticism

Opposition leaders on Monday launched a sharp attack on the government after petrol and diesel prices were raised for the fourth time in 10 days, with cumulative increases of nearly 8 rupees per litre since mid-May. The latest revision pushed petrol prices in Delhi to 102.12 rupees per litre and diesel to 95.20 rupees per litre, according to industry sources.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Inflation Man Modi” in a post on social media, accusing the government of raising fuel prices in phases to avoid public notice. “He raises petrol and diesel prices in installments ensuring that your pockets are quietly picked, bit by bit,” Gandhi wrote. He added that he had warned of an economic crisis for months but that the prime minister was focused on elections, and immediately after voting concluded, fuel prices were hiked. Gandhi predicted the upward trend would continue.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticized the government, stating that each fuel price hike deals a blow to household budgets and has a cascading effect on the economy. He alleged that the government prioritized profit over public welfare and compared current fuel...