Petrol and diesel prices hike LIVE: ‘Take votes first, then raise prices’: Congress attacks Modi

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Friday (May 15, 2026) said the fuel price hike was unavoidable due to the global energy crisis and urged people to understand the circumstances behind the increase.

Responding to the fuel price hike by state-owned oil companies, he also alleged that opposition parties were trying to “provoke people.” “The government led by PM Narendra Modi ji took this step under unavoidable circumstances. No domestic issue is responsible for this. Countries and people across the world have been affected by the energy crisis,” Union Minister of Coal and Mines told reporters.

He alleged that some parties were trying to incite people and spread misinformation about the issue.

Mr. Reddy appealed to the public to understand the inevitability of the price hike.

Although it was expected that the West Asia conflict would ease and fuel transportation would improve, crude oil shipments are still not reaching the country smoothly, he said.

Mr. Reddy claimed that fuel prices had increased by as much as 40 per cent in countries such as the U.S.

He further said that implementing welfare programmes would become difficult if government revenue declined. -- PTI

Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai on Friday (May 15, 2026) strongly criticised the Centre over the recent fuel price hike, alleging that the burden of economic decisions was being passed on to common citizens while benefiting select interests.

Reacting to the increase in petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre each, Mr. Rai questioned the government’s past energy policies and accused it of failing to pass on the benefits of cheaper crude imports to the public.

“When petrol and diesel prices were at their lowest, cheap oil was bought from Russia; the nation gained no benefit. Now, excise duty on exports has been cut, but the burden has been placed on the poor,” Mr. Rai told ANI.

He further said the government must clarify its priorities between public welfare and private interests, asserting that rising fuel prices were disproportionately affecting lower-income households.

“The Prime Minister must decide whether the nation is greater or his friends. For 80 crore citizens surviving on ration, even one rupee matters. Policies that favour friends while harming ordinary people cannot continue,” he added.

Mr. Rai also urged the government to roll back what he termed “burdensome policies” and revisit earlier commitments made on stabilising fuel prices.

“The government should roll them back immediately. The earlier promise was that companies’ losses would be covered, so rates would not rise in such situations. That commitment must now be fulfilled,” he said. -- ANI

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday (May 15, 2026) blamed the Centre for the rising cost of living, stating that “price rise is Modi’s contribution.” He said the increase in fuel and essential commodity prices has placed a heavy burden on common people.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Shivakumar criticised the Centre’s handling of international issues, linking it to the current surge in prices. He questioned how people can manage daily life without using petrol, saying that travel is essential for livelihoods.

He also termed suggestions to reduce fuel consumption and avoid buying gold as impractical, saying such measures are unrealistic for ordinary citizens managing everyday needs.-- The Hindu Bureau

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday (May 15, 2026) condemned the hike in petrol and diesel prices by the Central government, stating that the increase would severely impact the common people. He urged the Centre to immediately roll back the decision.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Mr Siddaramaiah said the fuel price hike was anticipated after the conclusion of Assembly elections in various States. He criticised the Centre for repeatedly increasing fuel prices, noting that such decisions place an additional burden on the public, particularly affecting labourers, farmers and economically weaker sections.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that despite petrol prices in Karnataka being comparatively lower than in several other States and said that the latest hike would have a cascading effect on the cost of living.

Mr Siddaramaiah said that the increase in fuel prices would lead to a rise in transportation costs, which in turn would push up the prices of essential commodities. He also noted the steep rise in domestic LPG prices over the years, adding that such increases have already strained household budgets. -- The Hindu Bureau

“The increase in prices of fuel is a second blow. A few petrol petrol pumps has huge lines as several pumps are running half than its capacity in Aurangabad. As the price have increase we are also planning to increase per km from ₹11 to 13,” said Ajay Kanse, Aurangabad resident, who provides cab service across Maharashtra. 

Due to the shortage of petrol and diesel along with continuously increasing fuel prices, many vehicle owners are now shifting towards CNG as a more affordable option. This sudden rise in demand has created heavy pressure on CNG stations, leading to long queues and supply challenges in several areas. This is the popular opinion of the cab drivers from Jalna, Nagpur, Jalgaon, and Dharashiv. -- Snehal Mutha

The BJP on Friday (May 15, 2026) defended the hike in fuel prices, claiming that India managed to shield citizens from the global oil shock for more than two months while implementing only a “limited and calibrated” increase, even as several countries witnessed a steep price rise.

The remarks came after petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre each, the first increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses suffered by oil marketing companies due to surging global crude oil prices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently suggested measures to reduce fuel consumption, including the use of metro services, carpooling, electric vehicles, and work-from-home arrangements, to help conserve foreign exchange reserves amid the West Asia crisis. -- PTI

BJP defends fuel hike, says ‘India kept price rise to 3% amid global surge’

BJP defends recent fuel price hike, highlighting India's 3.2% increase as one of the lowest among major economies.

Congress leaders on Friday (May 15, 2026) slammed the Narendra Modi-led government over petrol and diesel price hike, alleging that the decision was deliberately deferred until assembly elections were over.

Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra mocked the Prime Minister for embarking on a five-nation trip at a time while the country was facing fuel crisis.

“From today, the ‘mehngai man’ (inflation man) has left for five days of ‘national contemplation’ in foreign valleys, leaving the public to make the rest of the contribution in the national interest,” Mr. Dostara said, referring to the Prime Minister.

“Before leaving, he (Modi) explained the new economic policy: if petrol and diesel become expensive, do not get your tank filled. Contribute ₹3 on every litre and make the country self-reliant,” he said.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot also criticised the move, alleging that fuel prices were intentionally kept unchanged during the elections.

“It was already decided — take votes first, then raise prices,” Mr. Pilot said.

“Immediately after the elections ended in five states, petrol and diesel prices were increased by ₹3 per litre. Earlier, prices were not raised to attract voters, but once the elections were over, the burden was passed onto the public,” Mr. Pilot alleged. -- PTI

Motorists complain that, over the past few days, many retail fuel outlets in Chennai have been insisting that they buy premium petrol variants instead of regular fuel, which is costlier by ₹9 a litre. Fuel outlets have also begun rationing diesel to heavy vehicles to ensure that there is no diversion of diesel to industrial users. 

Motorists in Chennai say fuel outlets are pushing them to buy premium petrol

Chennai motorists report pressure from fuel outlets to purchase premium petrol, raising concerns about affordability and consumer choice.

A fresh fuel price hike has catapulted petrol and diesel rates higher across the tri-state junction of Chittoor district, with petrol now hovering around ₹113 per litre and diesel at ₹100 per litre in most towns, highway outlets, and border-facing pumps. The overnight development is being felt not only as a sudden shock to consumers, but operators of the petrol pumps.

In many places of the erstwhile Chittoor district, from Kuppam to Satyavedu, fuel stations report that, even before Friday’s (May 15, 2026) hike, customers were already filling up locally, but only out of necessity. In border towns such as Nagari, Kuppam, V.Kota, Palamaner, and Madanapalle, petrol bunks are seeing a different pattern emerge. “We have to plan ahead and cross into Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, where fuel is still cheaper by several rupees per litre,” said Karthik Vinayagam (34), a lorry driver, working for a transport company in Trichy, shuttling between Theni and Bhubaneshwar.

A petrol bunk owner in Nagari, Ramesh, located just a few kilometres from the Tamil Nadu border, said the change has become harder to ignore. “Earlier, we used to have a steady flow throughout the day. Now, after every price hike, we see fewer vehicles, and the drivers just prefer two or three liters, hoping to cross into Tamil Nadu. It’s a vital decision for the public and transporters as well, because savings are the lifeline,” he said.

Dealers across the district say the issue is no longer temporary. The price gap has slowly altered customer behaviour, and highway stations, in particular, are feeling the pressure, with reduced sales and uneven demand throughout the day, impacting the fuel business across the interstate borders. -- K. Umashanker

Kerala CM-designate V.D. Satheesan on Friday (May 15, 2026) said that he was in discussions with officials on how to reduce the impact of the rise in fuel prices on the general public, while former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the hike by the Centre as a grave injustice to the people and demanded its withdrawal.

Mr. Satheesan, speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, said, “We are discussing the increase in the price of petroleum products and we are assessing its impact on the public and then we will take a decision on it.” Mr. Vijayan, in a statement, said that the central government was imposing an additional financial burden on the common people who were already reeling under the weight of price rise and increasing living costs, instead of providing them some relief.

He demanded that the central government should immediately withdraw its allegedly “unjust decision that protects corporates by robbing the people”.

He claimed that when the price of international crude fell, its benefit was not passed on to the public and now, under the garb of recouping losses incurred by oil companies, the cost of petrol and diesel has been increased by ₹3 per litre. -- PTI

PMK leader and former union minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday (May 15, 2026) demanded that the oil companies immediately withdraw the hike in petrol and diesel prices.

In a statement, he said the international rise in crude oil prices has been cited as the reason for the country’s recent fuel price hike and accordingly, petrol and diesel have each been increased by ₹3 per litre.

“As a result, petrol in Chennai now costs Rs 103.90 per litre, diesel Rs 95.47 per litre”, he said. “This increase will inflict severe hardships on people’s daily lives and should have been avoided,” Mr*. Anbumani, whose party is a NDA constituent, said in a statement.

Claiming that with petrol, diesel and CNG now becoming more expensive, he said that prices of vegetables, food items and other essentials are expected to rise significantly. “This will put a heavy burden on poor and middle‑income households”.

“Therefore fuel companies should immediately reverse the recent increases in petrol, diesel and CNG prices”, he added. -- PTI

The latest hike in fuel prices has triggered widespread concern among motorists and daily commuters in the State capital.

In Thiruvananthapuram, petrol is now priced at ₹110.76 per litre, while diesel has touched ₹99.64 per litre. The revised rates, which came into effect on Friday morning, reflect an increase of over ₹3 per litre for both petrol and diesel, which is attributed to the rise of global crude oil price due to the West Asia conflict. -- The Hindu Bureau

Fuel price hike sparks public anger in Thiruvananthapuram

Fuel price hikes in Thiruvananthapuram spark public outrage as petrol hits ₹110.76 and diesel ₹99.64 per litre.

Farmers said the hike in diesel and petrol prices will put additional burden on the farmers in Andhra Pradesh.

“Already farmers are facing problems with hike in labour charges and investment cost. Now, the increase in fuel prices will cause losses to agriculture farmers,” a paddy farmer P. Mallikharjuna Rao said.

An aqua farmer, C. Mohan Rao of Nagayalanka village in Krishna district, said the hike in fuel prices will have an effect on aquaculture in the State.

“Aqua farmers need diesel for running aerators regularly to maintain Oxygen levels in shrimp and fish tanks. Hike in fuel prices is worrying the farmers in AP,” says Mr. Mohan Rao. -- Rajulapudi Srinivas

The mechanized fishing industry faces a severe crisis as fuel costs spiral. 

Vasupalli Janakiram, national president of the East Coast Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association, highlights that a single boat requires 10,000 litres of diesel monthly. With the recent decision, the price has additionally increased by ₹3 per litre. This shift translates to a staggering additional burden of ₹30,000 per month per vessel. For many operators, this overhead exceeds the value of their catch, turning a traditional livelihood into a mounting debt, threatening the survival of the coastal fishing community. -- V. Kamalakara Rao

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday (May 15, 2026) slammed the Modi government over the fuel price hike, alleging an economic crisis in the country due to the government’s “leadership crisis, lack of vision and incompetence”.

In a post on X, he said, this crisis is a government-made crisis, the consequences of which the people of the country are bearing out of their own pockets on petrol, diesel, and LPG.

“The people of the country must understand that, along with the international fuel crisis, the major reason for the economic crisis in India at this time is the Modi government’s leadership crisis, lack of vision, and rampant incompetence,” he alleged.- PTI

Major reason for economic crisis in India is Modi Government’s leadership crisis: Kharge after fuel hike

Congress president Kharge blames Modi government's leadership crisis for India's economic turmoil and recent fuel price hikes.

An alleged restriction in fuel distribution by some of the oil marketing companies in the wake of the latest price hike has sparked concern among petrol pump owners across northern Kerala districts, with many dealers warning that continued disruption could force them to suspend operations temporarily.

Operators in Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram districts said many outlets were facing unforeseen disruption in fuel supply, leading to uncertainty over regular operations. Some dealers in Kozhikode alleged that supply restrictions were in place soon after reports emerged about the increase in fuel prices. -- The Hindu Bureau

Fuel delivery delays spark concerns across northern Kerala districts

Fuel delivery delays in northern Kerala raise concerns among dealers, threatening operations and impacting essential services amid rising prices.

Shares of oil marketing companies and paint manufacturers declined up to 3% in early trade on Friday (May 15, 2026) after petrol and diesel prices were increased by ₹3 per litre across the country.

The fuel price hike, the first in more than four years, amid mounting losses suffered by fuel retailers due to elevated global crude oil prices.

On the BSE, shares of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd declined 2.71%, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd dipped 2.39%, Indian Oil Corporation fell 1.85%.

The stock of paint manufacturers, which use crude-linked derivatives as key raw materials, also traded lower. Indigo Paints declined 1.36%, Asian Paints slipped 0.42%, and Berger Paints India fell 0.14%.

Analysts said the modest increase in retail fuel prices failed to fully offset concerns around elevated crude costs and put pressure on market margins.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 1.23% to $107.02 per barrel.

“The sharp increase in petrol, diesel, and CNG prices reflects the direct impact of the escalating West Asia energy crisis and supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz,” Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said. -- PTI

For Keralites, the elation of finally getting a Chief Minister after a ten-day long sordid drama was tempered by the jolt of a fuel price hike announced by State-owned oil companies, which came into effect on Friday at 6 a.m.

In Ernakulam and surrounding regions, diesel prices rose by ₹3.26 and petrol by ₹3.16, with a further revision not ruled out within a fortnight. Anticipating the hike, many vehicle owners had filled their tanks the previous night.

“There is no shortage of fuel stock at petrol pumps at the moment. However, oil companies no longer insist on maintaining the mandatory three-day stock, which has now been relaxed to two days,” said Tomy Thomas, President of the All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders. -- The HIndu Bureau

Fuel price surge jolts Kerala as people brace for all-round price rise

Kerala faces a fuel price surge, raising concerns about rising costs for essential commodities and livelihoods amid economic strain.

Terming the petrol and diesel price hike as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “gift”, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday (May 14, 2026) said the country has come to a “tragic situation.” He also criticised the PM’s call for fuel saving, postponement of gold purchases, among other measures to spend wisely.

Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre each on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices in the wake of the West Asia conflict.

The increase comes 16 days after Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

“Petrol and diesel price hike is Modi’s gift. He has failed in international relationships. He has not maintained a good relationship with anyone in the neighbourhood. Now he is asking people of the country to limit the petrol use, not to purchase gold, minimise edible oil consumption. How can it be stopped or limited,” Mr. Shivakumar asked.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “It cannot be done. The country has come to a tragic situation. We have to save and protect this country.” People earn, and lead their lives accordingly. “No one can be controlled. It should be ensured that people lead their lives smoothly with whatever they have,” he further said. -- PTI

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) refineries are currently operating at more than 100 per cent capacity to ensure there is no shortage of fuel at retail outlets following a marginal rise in domestic petrol and diesel prices. 

Speaking about the hike in fuel prices, Arvind Kumar, Director (Refineries), IOCL, told ANI that amid global pressures, “it is a very small rise.” “It’s a very small rise, and you know a lot of pressure is there. But I can tell you that Indian Oils Group companies, 10 refineries are working round the clock and more than 100% capacity so that there will be no crisis, no dry out at any of our retail outlets....let us come together to save fuel and in this emergency time and this critical time,” Mr. Kumar said.

To address the long-term pressure on petroleum products, IOCL is also focusing on alternative energy solutions. The company has provided two hydrogen-powered buses to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for transit between Central Secretariat and Seva Teeth Metro stations and key government establishments in the Central Vista region. These buses serve as a symbolic shift toward zero-emission public transport.

“These are hydrogen buses. Two buses have been given by Indonoyal to DMRC for moving from this central sector area to the Kartabbey building. This is an indication that Indonoyal is fully sensitive towards the environment. And in this scenario, also when a lot of pressure is there from the Gulf crisis, hydrogen buses and most important thing is that it has a zero emissions,” Mr Kumar added. -- ANI

AAP, Congress and SAD on Friday (May 15, 2026) attacked the Centre over the petrol and diesel price hike, saying it will deliver a crippling blow to the common man and adversely impact farmers.

Punjab Finance Minister and senior AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema said the move showed the ruling BJP’s “anti-farmer and anti-people face”.

“The central government increases petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre and then gives a marginal MSP increase of just ₹72 per quintal on paddy. This is a direct assault on farmers’ incomes. By giving a token MSP hike and raising diesel prices the very next day, the BJP government has effectively robbed farmers of their rightful compensation,” he said in a post on X.

“BJP’s anti-farmer and anti-people face is now visible to everyone,” Mr. Cheema added.

Slamming the Centre, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, “The Modi government first lectures citizens to ‘use less cars’, then runs PR campaigns showing smaller PM convoys, and now quietly hikes petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre”.

“So this was the real script behind the drama?” Warring said in a post on X.

“Farmers will pay more. Truck operators will pay more. Middle-class families will pay more. Every essential item will become expensive again. The truth is simple — BJP doesn’t reduce inflation, it manages headlines. ‘Abki Baar, Petrol ₹100 Paar’,” Mr. Warring said in the post. -- PTI

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Friday slammed the Congress for criticising the Centre after petrol and diesel prices were hiked across India in the wake of the West Asia conflict. 

Mr. Bhandari accused Congress of politicising the issue when the world is facing an energy crisis. He claimed that India is witnessing about a 3.5% hike in fuel prices, less than several countries across the globe. The BJP leader defended the price hike, citing the Brent crude price, which is hovering over $100 per barrel.

Mr. Bhandari wrote on X, “The Congress Party should be ashamed of itself to politicise everything! Congress is a party which always looks at political opportunity in any global crisis, only to have egg on their face! Despite Brent crude staying above $100/barrel and fuel prices surging globally after the Strait of Hormuz crisis, India has seen only a ~3.5 per cent increase in petrol & diesel prices after 76 days of stable prices!”

“Compare that to: Pakistan: +55%, Malaysia: +56%, US: +45%, UAE: +52%, China +23%, France +31%. This is a time for economic patriotism. 140 crore Indians are with PM Narendra Modi Ji & Congress yet again is getting exposed because of its desperate politics,” the X post read. -- ANI

Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Nadendla Manohar has said that the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) had to increase prices of petrol and diesel due to the geopolitical situation. 

He pointed out that the OMCs were bearing the brunt of the West Asia war as it affected crude oil prices, which soared to more than $100 a barrel. The volatility in the global markets also resulted in tightened supply of the motor fuels, he observed. 

Speaking to The Hindu, on Friday, Mr. Manohar said “To meet the crisis, the Andhra Pradesh government is taking steps to increase ethanol blending and encouraging measures like car pooling to cut down the fuel consumption to some extent”. -- The Hindu Bureau

Former Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M)’s Polit Bureau member, Pinarayi Vijayan, has termed the Central Government-initiated hike in fuel prices as a treachery of public welfare. 

In a statement in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Vijayan said that by significantly raising petrol and diesel prices, the Centre had further injured people reeling under a cost-of-living crisis. 

He said the high price of diesel would increase freight charges, which would, consequently, jack up the prices of essential commodities. Commuters would have to shell out more for daily travel. Seller inflation might spiral out of control. -- The Hindu Bureau

Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Centre for hiking fuel prices

Pinarayi Vijayan criticizes the Centre for fuel price hikes, claiming it harms public welfare and exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis.

Transport operators in West Bengal on Friday (May 15, 2026) said the fuel price hike would increase the overall freight cost by around 3%, and urged the government to ensure that traders cannot increase product prices disproportionately.

Kolkata witnessed the steepest fuel price hike among the four metros, with petrol price rising by ₹3.29 to ₹108.74 per litre and diesel going up by ₹3.11 to ₹95.13 per litre.

In Delhi, petrol prices increased by ₹3 to ₹97.77 per litre and diesel to ₹90.67.

Petrol in Mumbai now costs ₹106.68 a litre and diesel comes for ₹93.14 per litre, while in Chennai, prices increased to ₹103.67 for petrol and ₹95.25 for diesel.

Rates vary across states due to differences in value-added tax.

All India Transporters’ Welfare Association joint secretary Sunil Agarwal told PTI that the hike was “quite expected” in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, and estimated, “The rise will have around 3 per cent impact on freight costs”.

“In the overall transport cost, the impact will be fractional. However, the government should ensure that traders do not increase prices of products disproportionately in view of the fuel price hike,” he said. -- PTI

Fuel prices in Bengaluru have been increased on Friday (May 15, 2026), after oil marketing companies increased rates across all categories. Petrol now costs ₹106.17 per litre, up from ₹102.92, reflecting a rise of ₹3.27. Similarly, diesel prices have increased by ₹3.12, moving from ₹90.99 to ₹94.10 per litre.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has also become costlier, with prices going up by ₹2 per kg. The revised rate now stands at ₹77.09 per kg.

Meanwhile, fuel sold by private retailers continues to be more expensive. During the previous month, amid tensions in West Asia, private companies had already raised prices in the city. In a private outlet in Bengaluru, regular unleaded petrol (ULP) is priced at ₹119.92 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) costs ₹123.51 per litre. Premium variants are even costlier, with petrol retailing at ₹129.92 per litre and diesel at ₹133.51 per litre. -- The Hindu Bureau

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal lashed out at the government for hiking the prices of petrol and diesel. 

In the X post, Mr. Venugopal said “When global crude oil prices plummeted, the Modi Government pocketed billions in profits, and now — 3 months after a completely predictable crisis — the public is being forced to absorb the pain.”

He added “This government’s crisis management is only to save Adani from prosecution, not to save the common public from economic shocks.”

“The people are completely fed up with this regime and its mismanagement.”

Petrol price touched ₹110.90 at the Bharat Petroleum fuel station in Ameerpet in Hyderabad on Friday (May 15, 2026) after oil-marketing companies increased the price by ₹3 across all variants. “By the time we reached for our duty at 7 a.m., we have the new price. Earlier it was ₹107.51. So the price is up by ₹3.39 paise,” said the person manning the fuel dispenser. -- The Hindu Bureau

​​

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday (May 15, 2026) defended the Centre’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices, saying the global conflict and ongoing energy crisis have impacted fuel rates across the world, while asserting that the Narendra Modi-led government had protected citizens from major economic shocks.

Speaking on the hike in fuel prices, Mr. Ghosh said the increase had been kept to a minimum despite difficult global circumstances. “For the past 3 years, a war has been going on in the world. Due to this, various types of crises have arisen in other countries. Prime Minister Modi has not let any harm come to us. Only the price of gas has increased. At least the price has been increased to the minimum,” Mr. Ghosh told reporters. -- ANI

In her X post, Sagarika Ghose said “How Modinomics works: when global crude prices were low, don’t pass on the benefit to the consumer.”

She added “When elections are on, don’t say a word on energy shortage. Elections over: fuel prices hiked. Meanwhile frequent flyer @narendramodi off for a foreign holiday to cooler climes. Janta trast. PM Mast.”

MS prices

Delhi 97.77 (+3.00)

Kolkata 108.74 (+3.29)

Mumbai 106.68 (+3.14)

Chennai 103.67 (+2.83)

HSD prices

Delhi 90.67 (+3.00)

Kolkata 95.13 (+3.11)

Mumbai 93.14 (+3.11)

Chennai 95.25 (+2.86)

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary (communication) said “For years when international oil prices were soft or declining, the Indian National Congress had been urging that those benefits should be passed on to Indian consumers and that domestic prices of gas, petrol, and diesel should be reduced. That, however, did not happen and consumers were fleeced.”

Mr. Ramesh added “Now that international oil prices are climbing up because of the war in West Asia unleashed by the PM’s good friends — the U.S. and Israel — and Assembly elections are over, the Modi Govt has increased petrol and diesel prices after having hiked commercial LPG prices earlier. This is bound to lead to further inflation that is now projected to be close to 6% for this financial year. Growth estimates will be lowered considerably.” -- The Hindu Bureau

Will lead to further inflation, growth estimates will be lowered considerably: Congress on fuel hike

Congress criticizes the Modi government for fuel price hikes, warning of rising inflation and lowered growth estimates.

Amidst pressure on fuel supplies originating because of the conflict in West Asia and related concerns over under-recoveries, oil-marketing companies Friday (May 15, 2026) morning hiked prices of petrol and diesel by ₹3 across all variants.

That is, the latest price hikes extend to both the regular variants of petrol and diesel alongside the premium and high-octane products.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked by ₹3 across all variants

Petrol and diesel prices rise by ₹3 per litre, reflecting increased global energy costs.