‘Inflation Man Modi’: Rahul Gandhi targets Centre over petrol-diesel prices

New Delhi: LokSabha Oppostion Leader and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Modi government over the repeated hike in fuel prices, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “Inflation Man Modi” after petrol and diesel prices were increased for the fourth time in just 10 days.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government was increasing fuel prices in phases so that the burden on the public goes unnoticed. “They raise petrol-diesel prices in installments—so that your pocket keeps getting quietly fleeced,” he wrote.

The Congress MP further claimed that he had been warning about an economic crisis for months, but the government remained focused on elections. “Modi ji, as always, was busy with elections back then—and the moment elections ended, petrol-diesel was hiked by ₹8,” Rahul Gandhi said, adding that fuel prices were likely to continue rising.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also intensified the opposition’s attack on the Centre, accusing the BJP government of imposing a “daily assault of fuel loot” on the public. In his statement, Kharge said farmers, MSMEs and ordinary citizens were bearing the impact of the repeated hikes in petrol and diesel prices.

“Every fuel price hike is another blow to household budgets, and has a cascading effect on every aspect of the economy,” Kharge wrote on X. He further alleged that the government had prioritised profit over public welfare.

Kharge also compared fuel prices under the UPA and NDA governments, claiming that despite a sharp rise in global crude oil prices during the UPA era, the previous government attempted to shield consumers from major price shocks. According to him, petrol prices have increased from ₹71.41 per litre in 2014 to ₹102.12 per litre in 2026, while diesel prices rose from ₹56.71 to ₹95.20 during the same period.

The Congress chief additionally pointed to the rise in shares of oil marketing companies including HPCL, BPCL and IOC after the latest fuel hike. “Profit over People is BJP's DNA,” he alleged while questioning who was benefiting from the repeated increase in fuel prices.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also criticised the Centre, questioning the government’s claim that there was no shortage of fuel in the country despite repeated price hikes. He accused the government of burdening the public while distracting attention with political issues.

The latest fuel revision pushed petrol prices in Delhi beyond the ₹100 mark, with petrol reaching ₹102.12 per litre and diesel climbing to ₹95.20 per litre. Meanwhile, CNG prices in Delhi were also increased again, marking the third hike within 10 days.

The repeated increase in fuel prices comes amid rising global crude oil rates, currency fluctuations and concerns over supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. Analysts believe the continued hikes could further increase transportation and logistics costs, adding pressure on inflation and household budgets across the country.