Rahul warns of fuel price hike post-election, Centre dismisses speculation

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that petrol and diesel prices would rise after the conclusion of assembly elections on April 29, alleging that the government would pass on the burden of rising global crude oil prices to the public.
In a post on X, Gandhi said that while the government benefited when crude prices were low, it would now shift the impact of higher prices onto consumers. “Election relief over, inflation’s heat is on its way. After April 29, petrol, diesel, everything will get expensive,” he said, accusing the Centre of “profiteering” when global prices were low and burdening citizens when prices rise.
The remarks come amid ongoing polling in key states, including West Bengal, where the second phase of elections is scheduled for April 29.
Responding to the allegations, the government categorically denied any plan to increase fuel prices. Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, said there was “no proposal” under consideration to hike petrol and diesel prices.
She dismissed speculation of a post-election price increase, even as global crude oil prices have surged by over 50 per cent in the past two months due to escalating tensions in West Asia. Despite the sharp rise in input costs, retail fuel prices in India have remained unchanged for a record fourth year.
Officials indicated that the widening gap between global crude prices and domestic retail rates has put pressure on state-run oil marketing companies, with estimates suggesting substantial daily losses. However, the government has so far refrained from revising pump prices.
Sharma also addressed reports of panic buying in certain states, including Andhra Pradesh, stating that authorities were closely monitoring supply and coordinating with state governments. She assured that adequate stocks were being maintained and prioritised at high-demand outlets to prevent shortages and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability across the country.