Kharge Questions Why Cheaper Crude Means Costlier Fuel

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a sharp attack on the Centre, highlighting a glaring mismatch between global oil prices and domestic fuel rates. Using government data, he noted that crude stood at $108.05 a barrel when Modi assumed power in 2014; today it is under $99. Yet petrol has jumped from ₹71.51 to ₹102.12, and diesel from ₹56.71 to ₹95.20. Kharge claims these rises—42.8 percent and 67.9 percent respectively—reflect excessive taxation and profiteering rather than market forces. He stresses that fuel inflation ripples through every sector, raising logistics costs that ultimately hit household budgets. The leader demands an explanation for why cheaper international crude has not led to lower pump prices. Meanwhile, fresh CNG price hikes in the capital have intensified the debate over affordability.