25 May,2026 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Congress leader claimed that LPG cylinder prices had also increased sharply last month. File Pic
Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad on Monday criticised the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, calling it "unjustified" and demanding that the BJP-led Union government immediately roll back the hike, reported the PTI.
In a statement issued in Mumbai, Gaikwad said rising fuel prices would place an additional burden on citizens already struggling with inflation.
According to Gaikwad, petrol and diesel prices have increased by Rs 8 per litre over the past 11 days.
"The increase in fuel prices will push common people deeper into the inflation crisis. The Central government should immediately withdraw this unjustified hike," she said, according to the PTI.
She alleged that the latest increase would affect household budgets and further raise the cost of essential goods and services.
Varsha Gaikwad claimed that during assembly elections in five states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Hardeep Singh Puri had assured citizens that adequate fuel stocks were available.
She alleged that fuel prices were increased immediately after the elections concluded.
Referring to comments made by Rahul Gandhi, Gaikwad said he had earlier warned that fuel prices would rise after the elections, as per the PTI.
The Congress leader further claimed that LPG cylinder prices had also increased sharply last month.
She said the rise in commercial LPG cylinder prices had negatively affected hotels, restaurants and small food businesses, resulting in higher food prices for consumers, the PTI reported.
According to Gaikwad, the latest fuel price increase would add to overall inflationary pressure across sectors.
Gaikwad compared the current situation with the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, stating that subsidies were earlier provided to protect citizens from inflation.
She alleged that the present government had failed to provide sufficient relief to people dealing with rising costs and unemployment.
Gaikwad also criticised CM Devendra Fadnavis regarding fuel availability in Maharashtra.
She claimed that despite assurances about adequate petrol stock, reports had emerged of petrol pumps remaining shut in some areas of the state.
The Congress leader referred to media reports about petrol pumps in Mumbai's Dadar and Sion areas allegedly remaining closed on Sunday.
"Instead of making misleading statements, the chief minister should ensure there is no fuel shortage and that people are protected from rising inflation," she said, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
