Congress party leaders criticized the Indian government on Monday, May 25, 2024, over recent price increases for petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG [1, 2].
The disputes highlight a growing political rift over inflation and economic management, as the opposition argues that rising energy costs disproportionately affect the poor and working class.
Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG prices remain high despite a decline in international crude oil prices [1]. The party alleges that the government is failing to pass the benefits of lower global crude costs to the public, which they said hurts consumers, farmers, transporters, and businesses [1, 3].
According to Congress, there have been four increases in petrol and diesel prices in less than two weeks [4]. The party also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the "inflation man has cracked the whip again" [3].
Specific attention was drawn to the cost of cooking gas. The price of commercial LPG cylinders increased by up to Rs 53.50 [3]. This specific hike was scheduled to take effect from June 1, 2024 [3].
Congress MP Manish Tewari said the government's priorities regarding the cost of living are flawed, stating, "Bhukhe pet bhajan na hoyi gopala" [2].
While the opposition points to falling international prices as a reason for lower domestic costs, other officials have disputed this narrative. Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the hikes are a result of rising global crude oil prices [5].
“"Inflation man has cracked the whip again"”
The clash over fuel pricing reflects a broader struggle between the Indian government and the opposition over the domestic impact of global commodity volatility. By linking fuel costs to the daily struggle of farmers and transporters, the Congress party is attempting to frame the current administration's economic policy as detrimental to the lower and middle classes.
