"Elections over, Modi's vasooli begins": Congress on fuel price hike

Congress attacks PM Modi for the Rs 3 hike in petrol and diesel prices after assembly elections, calling it "vasooli (extortion)". The hike comes amid a global energy crisis, though India says supplies are adequate.

Congress Slams PM Modi, Calls Fuel Price Hike 'Extortion'

Congress on Friday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he has "unleashed the whip" on the public after the Centre increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 across the country. Congress, linking the fuel price hike to the completion of the Assembly election in four states and one union territory, said that PM Modi's "vasooli (extortion) begins" after the elections.

"Inflation Man Modi has once again unleashed the whip on the public today. Petrol and diesel have been increased by 3-3 rupees. Meanwhile, CNG prices have also been raised by 2 rupees. Elections over - Modi's extortion begins," Congress said. 'महंगाई मैन' मोदी ने आज फिर जनता पर हंटर चलाया. • पेट्रोल और डीजल 3-3 रुपए महंगा कर दिया गया • वहीं, CNG के दाम भी 2 रुपए बढ़ा दिए गए चुनाव खत्म - मोदी की वसूली शुरू — Congress (@INCIndia) May 15, 2026

Petrol, Diesel, CNG Prices Hiked

The Centre has hiked the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday across the country. CNG prices were also hiked by Rs 2. In New Delhi, the petrol prices rose from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel prices increased from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.

Global Energy Crisis Cited as Reason

This comes amid a call for fuel conservation as the world faces an energy crisis amid the West Asia conflict, which led to a blockade in the significant maritime trade route, the Strait of Hormuz. The Brent oil prices have been at a record high in the wake of the US-Israel and Iran war, which began on February 28 this year. The Brent oil price has been hovering over USD 100 per barrel as the US and Iran are attempting to mediate for a long-term ceasefire in the region. The widening of the ambit of the war engulfed the West Asian countries, which are major suppliers of fuel.

However, India has maintained that there is no shortage of fuel and has adequate energy supplies. (ANI)

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