BJP Leaders Back Centre After Opposition Attacks Over Petrol-Diesel Price Rise
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday strongly defended the Centre’s decision to raise petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre, arguing that India has witnessed one of the lowest fuel price increases among major economies despite a sharp global crude oil surge caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The political response came shortly after opposition parties intensified criticism against the government, accusing it of increasing the financial burden on common citizens after the completion of Assembly elections.
BJP leaders maintained that the fuel hike became unavoidable due to rising international oil prices and disruptions linked to the closure of key maritime trade routes in West Asia, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Amit Malviya Says India Managed Fuel Prices Better Than Major Economies
Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya shared comparative fuel price data on social media, claiming that India recorded the smallest effective increase in petrol and diesel prices compared to several large economies.
“Between 23 February and 15 May 2026, nearly every major economy saw sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. In several countries, the rise has been staggering. India recorded the smallest material increase among all major economies,” Malviya said.
According to figures highlighted by the BJP leader, countries including the US, UK, Pakistan, Myanmar and the UAE witnessed much steeper increases in fuel prices during the same period.
Myanmar reportedly recorded one of the highest jumps, with petrol prices increasing by nearly 89.7 per cent and diesel prices by 112 per cent. The US saw fuel price hikes above 40 per cent, while the UAE also witnessed sharp increases despite being a major oil-producing nation.
India’s increase, according to the BJP, remained limited to around 3.2 per cent for petrol and 3.4 per cent for diesel.
BJP Claims Oil Companies Absorbed Heavy Losses
The BJP argued that India’s state-run oil marketing companies had been absorbing major financial losses for months instead of immediately transferring the burden of rising crude oil costs to consumers.
“Instead of immediately passing on the burden to citizens, they absorbed substantial under-recoveries at the refinery gate,” Malviya stated, while adding that oil companies were facing daily losses close to Rs 1,000 crore.
Petrol and diesel prices were increased this week for the first time in more than four years as global crude oil prices crossed the $100 per barrel mark amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
Congress Accuses Government of Burdening Public
Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress intensified its attack on the government, alleging that citizens are now being forced to bear the impact of rising global crude oil prices.
Congress leader KC Venugopal criticised the Centre over the timing of the hike and accused the government of benefiting when crude prices were low.
“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,” Venugopal wrote.
The Congress also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over inflation and rising fuel prices, escalating the political confrontation over the issue.
Crude Oil Prices Continue to Pressure Global Markets
India’s imported crude oil basket reportedly averaged around USD 69 per barrel in February before tensions escalated in West Asia. Since then, prices have surged above USD 110 per barrel due to fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruptions.
Economists warn that if crude prices remain elevated, fuel costs and inflationary pressure may continue affecting consumers and businesses across the country.
