Kharge Alleges Economic Mismanagement as ATF, LPG, and Medicines See Steep Price Hikes

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a strong critique of the Centre, blaming the government for a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities, including LPG, aviation fuel, and medicines. Kharge alleged that the economic decisions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have dismantled key strategic and economic policies, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “The Modi government has completely dismantled the country's strategic and economic policies — a direct consequence of which is now being borne by 1.4 billion Indians.” He highlighted recent price revisions in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and commercial LPG, warning that multiple essential commodities are set to become more expensive.

Kharge emphasized the impact on daily life, citing commercial LPG shortages and rising costs affecting everyone from roadside eateries to government Mid-Day Meal schemes. “Aviation Turbine Fuel has become more expensive, making air travel, once accessible to the common man, an elusive dream,” he said, accusing the government of removing the price cap on airline fares.

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Healthcare costs have also come under scrutiny. Kharge noted that over 900 essential medicines have seen price hikes, including coronary stents, adding to the financial strain on citizens. He further highlighted increases in toll charges, postal rates, and the cost of construction materials such as steel, bitumen, and PVC pipes, arguing that these rises are hitting farmers, laborers, and small businesses hard.

The Congress leader accused the BJP of focusing on “looting the public and plundering the nation” while ignoring the struggles of common citizens, farmers, and MSME sectors. His remarks come as fuel retailers reported that the price of ATF in Delhi has surged by Rs 1,10,703.08 per kilolitre, crossing Rs 2 lakh per kilolitre for the first time. Meanwhile, regular petrol and diesel prices have remained largely stable across major cities despite rising global crude oil benchmarks.

With commercial LPG rates and jet fuel prices reaching record highs, the economic pressure on households and businesses continues to intensify. Analysts note that these cost increases could have ripple effects across multiple sectors, from transportation and healthcare to agriculture and construction, highlighting the challenge of balancing global market trends with domestic affordability.

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