‘Vasooli Shuru’: Congress Takes ‘Mehngaai Man’ Jab At PM Modi Over Petrol, Diesel Price Hike – Delhi News Daily

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 12:01 IST

Congress slams Centre for raising petrol and diesel prices by over Rs 3 and CNG by Rs 2, calls PM Modi “Mehngaai Man”.

File image of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Source: PTI)

Congress on Friday slammed the Centre for hiking petrol and diesel prices by more than Rs 3, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘Mehngaai Man’ who has “unleashed the whip” on people after the elections.

The government has raised petrol prices by Rs 3.14 per litre to Rs 97.77, while diesel rates have gone up by Rs 3.11 per litre, taking the price to Rs 90.67.

Taking to X, Congress criticised the Centre for the price hike and said, “’Inflation Man’ Modi has once again unleashed the whip on the public today. Petrol and diesel have increased by 3-3 rupees. Meanwhile, CNG prices have also been raised by 2 rupees. Elections over – Modi’s recovery begins.”

Also Read: Fuel Prices Hiked: Petrol Rises To Rs 97.77, Diesel To Rs 90.67 Per Litre Amid Iran War

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that this is a “Modi-Govt-Made crisis” for which he said that the country’s common people are paying from their own pockets.

“The people of the country must understand that, alongside the current International Fuel Crisis, the major reason for the economic crisis in India is the Leadership Crisis in the Modi government, the lack of visionary thinking, and incompetence that is overflowing to the brim,” Kharge said.

“This crisis is a Modi-Govt-Made crisis. The common people of the country are paying the price for it from their own pockets on petrol, diesel, and LPG,” he added.

Also Read: One Fuel Price Hike Done, More To Come? Why Petrol And Diesel Rates May Rise Further

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the people will pay the price of Modi government’s mistake.

“The Modi government’s mistake, The public will pay the price. The ₹3 shock has already arrived, The rest of the recovery will be done in installments,” Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, taking a jibe at the Modi govt, Kerala’s leader K C Venugopal said, “Welcome to amrit kaal, mitron!”

“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. This government’s crisis management is only to save Adani from prosecution, not to save the common public from economic shocks. Instead of giving a plan on how the poor will be shielded from shocks, they are suffocating the people day by day. The people are completely fed up with this regime and its mismanagement,” he said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the increase in petrol and diesel prices will push inflation further, which is projected to be close to 6% in this financial year.

“Now that international oil prices are climbing up because of the war in West Asia unleashed by the PM’s good friends—the US 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,” he said.

‘India Stands Out As Striking Exception’: BJP Defends Fuel Price Hike

BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Kiren Rijiju defended the government’s move to increase fuel prices and said that India has stood out as a “striking exception” amid the global fuel crisis.

“The surge in global fuel prices since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict offers a revealing comparison of how different countries have managed economic shocks. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, and the prolonged disruption of shipments sent Brent crude soaring above $100 per barrel through much of April and early May. Across the world, consumers have felt the impact directly at fuel stations. But India stands out as a striking exception,” Malviya said.

Also Read: ‘How Will The Aam Aadmi Manage’: Consumers Voice Concern Over Fuel Price Hike

Meanwhile, Rijiju said, while the “world battled rising fuel costs after the West Asia conflict, India stood apart”.

“While several countries witnessed petrol & diesel hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100%, India limited the increase to just +3.2% for petrol & +3.4% for diesel,” he said.

The fuel price hike comes amid heightened volatility in global crude oil markets following the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, which has raised concerns over disruptions to oil supply routes in the Middle East.

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