'Congress trying to create negativity': Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on fuel price hike criticism

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday criticised the Congress party over its remarks on the recent fuel price hikes accusing it of spreading negativity and misleading people while ignoring global factors affecting energy prices reported ANIBawankule defended the governmentrsquos decision to revise fuel prices saying the increases were linked to international market conditions and ongoing geopolitical tensions reported ANIBawankule accuses Congress of misleading peopleResponding to criticism from opposition leaders over rising petrol and diesel prices Bawankule alleged that the Congress party was attempting to create confusion among citizensldquoCongress is trying to create negativity and confuse the peoplerdquo Bawankule said while speaking to reporters in Nagpur reported ANIHe also criticised the partyrsquos political record and claimed the Congress was attempting to politicise fuel price revisions despite similar increases taking place in the past reported ANIAccording to the minister fuel price hikes are not unprecedented and have occurred under previous governments as wellMinister cites global conditions behind fuel hikeBawankule said the government understands public concerns over rising fuel prices but added that decisions are being influenced by the prevailing global situation reported ANIldquoWe too do not wish for such hikes However considering the situation prevailing across the world such decisions are being takenrdquo he saidThe latest fuel price revision comes amid continued volatility in international crude oil markets and geopolitical tensions in West Asia which have affected global energy supply chainsFuel prices increased for fourth time in two weeksPetrol and diesel prices were revised upward again on Monday marking the fourth increase in less than two weeksIn Delhi petrol prices rose by Rs 261 per litre to Rs 10212 per litre crossing the Rs 100 mark once again Diesel prices increased by Rs 271 to Rs 9520 per litreMumbai recorded petrol prices of Rs 11121 per litre after a Rs 272 increase while diesel prices climbed to Rs 9783 per litreIn Kolkata petrol prices rose to Rs 11351 per litre and diesel to Rs 9982 per litre after the latest hikeChennai also witnessed fresh revisions with petrol prices increasing to Rs 10777 per litre and diesel reaching Rs 9955 per litreSuccessive hikes add to consumer concernsThe latest revision follows three earlier increases in fuel prices since May 15On May 15 petrol and diesel prices were increased by around Rs 3 per litre Another hike of 90 paise per litre followed on May 19 while petrol prices rose by 87 paise and diesel by 91 paise on May 23The repeated hikes have raised concerns among commuters transport operators and businesses over increasing transportation and operational costsEconomists have also warned that sustained fuel price increases could contribute to inflationary pressure by raising logistics and supply chain expensesCNG prices also revised upwardAlongside petrol and diesel prices compressed natural gas CNG prices in Delhi were also increased earlier this weekCNG prices were raised by Rs 1 per kg on Saturday marking the third increase within 10 daysFollowing the latest revision CNG in the national capital is now retailing at Rs 8109 per kg adding further pressure on households and commercial transport operators dependent on gaspowered vehiclesWith inputs from ANI