“What is stopping Modi?” Arvind Kejriwal on buying cheaper Russian, Iranian oil

Arvind Kejriwal. File Pic

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday criticised the Centre after petrol and diesel prices were increased again, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks.

In a post on X, Kejriwal questioned why India was not purchasing cheaper oil and gas from Russia and Iran despite both countries being willing to supply fuel at lower prices.

"Oil prices have risen again. Yet we are still not buying cheap oil from Russia and Iran. What is Modi's such compulsion?" he wrote.

'People are struggling with inflation'

In a video message, Kejriwal said fuel prices had increased by nearly Rs 7.5 to Rs 8 over the past 10 to 15 days, while many other countries saw average increases of only around Rs 2.5.

";Currently, 1.4 billion people are suffering. They are struggling to manage their household expenses. Inflation has skyrocketed," he said.

The AAP leader argued that importing cheaper fuel from Russia and Iran could help reduce the burden on Indian consumers.

Questions over imports from Russia and Iran

Kejriwal said both Russia and Iran were ready to provide India with oil and gas at cheaper rates and in sufficient quantities.

Kejriwal questioned what was preventing the Centre from taking steps that could reduce fuel costs for citizens.

"When citizens are demanding it, and these countries are offering cheap and ample supplies, what are the constraints preventing the Prime Minister from buying oil and gas from Russia and Iran?" he asked.

He also referred to a public poll he had conducted earlier,"almost 97 per cent of people agreed that we should buy oil and gas from Russia and Iran," he said.

Global tensions continue to impact fuel prices

The repeated increase in fuel prices comes amid continued volatility in global crude oil markets and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Higher crude prices have added pressure on domestic fuel rates, affecting transport costs and household expenses across the country.

Fuel prices rise sharply across major cities

The latest fuel price revision pushed per litre petrol prices above the Rs 100 mark in all metro cities in India.

Meanwhile, CNG prices in Delhi also climbed, reaching Rs 81.09 per kg.