New Delhi, 20 May (H.S.): Congress Media and Publicity Department Chairperson Pawan Khera has questioned the central government over rising prices of petrol, diesel, domestic cooking gas, and other essential commodities. He said that instead of reducing inflation, the government is continuously increasing the difficulties faced by the public. He also remarked that the Prime Minister has been attributing inflation and the economic crisis to global wars, while the country’s economy was already in a weak condition.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Congress headquarters on Wednesday, Khera said that in a democracy, the opposition and the media play the role of showing the truth to those in power, but the Modi government is afraid of criticism. He claimed that in the last 12 years, petrol prices have increased by 38 per cent and diesel prices by 62 per cent. He further stated that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, even when international crude oil prices reached up to 100 US dollars per barrel, petrol and diesel prices were kept under control. In contrast, under the present government, even when crude oil prices were low, petrol was sold at nearly ₹100 per litre.

Khera added that the price of domestic LPG cylinders has more than doubled compared to 2014 levels. He said that a household gas cylinder which earlier cost ₹414 has now reached up to ₹915.

He further said that the impact of inflation is clearly visible on common consumers. Prices of milk, bread, and food items consumed outside have increased significantly, and commercial LPG cylinders are also being sold at higher rates. Raising the issue of the falling value of the rupee, he said that the Indian currency continues to weaken steadily.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar