Congress Chief Targets Centre Over Unchanged Fuel Prices Amid Global Crude Oil Decline

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday criticised the Centre over retail fuel prices, questioning why petrol, diesel and cooking gas rates remain elevated despite a sharp decline in global crude oil prices. Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of burdening citizens through higher taxes, Kharge alleged that the Centre was using fuel taxation as a means to boost its revenue instead of passing on the benefits of lower international crude prices to consumers. His remarks came amid continuing opposition criticism over fuel pricing and the government's taxation policy.

In a post on X, Kharge compared current crude oil prices with those prevailing during the peak of the conflict in West Asia. He said that when global crude oil prices had surged to around $138 per barrel, petrol was priced at Rs 94.77 per litre and diesel at Rs 87.67 per litre. According to him, crude oil has now fallen to $70.71 per barrel, nearly half of its earlier level, yet retail prices remain significantly higher. He questioned why petrol continues to be sold at Rs 102.12 per litre and diesel at Rs 95.20 per litre, despite the easing of international oil prices.

The Congress Chief also raised concerns over the prices of other fuels, including domestic LPG cylinders, five-kilogram cylinders commonly used by migrant workers, and compressed natural gas (CNG). He argued that consumers had already borne the burden of high fuel costs when crude oil prices spiked due to geopolitical tensions and asked why prices had not been reduced now that international markets had stabilised. "Now that conditions are normal, why are the Modi government's hands trembling when it comes to cutting the prices," Kharge said, alleging that ordinary citizens continued to bear the financial burden despite favourable global conditions.

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Kharge further accused the BJP Government of treating the public as a source of tax revenue, claiming that higher duties on petrol, diesel and LPG had enabled the Centre to increase its collections at the expense of consumers. He alleged that the government was "looting" and "pickpocketing" the public by failing to reduce fuel prices in line with declining crude oil costs. The Congress has repeatedly argued that lower international oil prices should translate into lower retail fuel prices, contending that consumers deserve relief from inflationary pressures affecting household budgets and transportation costs.

The issue of fuel pricing has remained a recurring point of political contention between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the opposition. Congress leaders have consistently maintained that the Centre should reduce excise duties and other levies on petroleum products to provide immediate relief to consumers. The BJP-led government, however, has previously maintained that fuel pricing is influenced by multiple factors, including international market conditions, taxes imposed by both the Centre and states, and the pricing decisions of public sector oil marketing companies. The debate is expected to continue as political parties seek to address concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living.

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