New Delhi, May 26 (H.S.): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has continued to attack the Central Government over the rise in petrol and diesel prices despite a decline in crude oil prices in the international market. He said that compared to 2014, crude oil has become cheaper globally, yet petrol and diesel prices in the country have witnessed a steep increase. Kharge questioned why the public was not given relief when crude oil prices had fallen.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Kharge, citing official data, said that on May 26, 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the price of Indian basket crude oil stood at 108.05 dollars per barrel and the dollar-rupee exchange rate was Rs 58.59. At that time, petrol was available at Rs 71.51 per litre and diesel at Rs 56.71 per litre.

Kharge stated that currently, crude oil prices are below 99 dollars per barrel, yet petrol and diesel prices have risen to Rs 102.12 and Rs 95.20 per litre respectively. During this period, petrol has become nearly 42.8 percent more expensive, while diesel prices have increased by around 67.9 percent.

The Congress President said that rising petrol and diesel prices have a direct impact on transportation, food items, and other essential commodities, thereby increasing the burden of inflation on common people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar