West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday (May 15, 2026) defended the Centre’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices, saying the global conflict and ongoing energy crisis have impacted fuel rates across the world, while asserting that the Narendra Modi-led government had protected citizens from major economic shocks.

Speaking on the hike in fuel prices, Mr. Ghosh said the increase had been kept to a minimum despite difficult global circumstances. “For the past 3 years, a war has been going on in the world. Due to this, various types of crises have arisen in other countries. Prime Minister Modi has not let any harm come to us. Only the price of gas has increased. At least the price has been increased to the minimum,” Mr. Ghosh told reporters. -- ANI

In her X post, Sagarika Ghose said “How Modinomics works: when global crude prices were low, don’t pass on the benefit to the consumer.”

She added “When elections are on, don’t say a word on energy shortage. Elections over: fuel prices hiked. Meanwhile frequent flyer @narendramodi off for a foreign holiday to cooler climes. Janta trast. PM Mast.”

MS prices

Delhi 97.77 (+3.00)

Kolkata 108.74 (+3.29)

Mumbai 106.68 (+3.14)

Chennai 103.67 (+2.83)

HSD prices

Delhi 90.67 (+3.00)

Kolkata 95.13 (+3.11)

Mumbai 93.14 (+3.11)

Chennai 95.25 (+2.86)

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary (communication) said “For years when international oil prices were soft or declining, the Indian National Congress had been urging that those benefits should be passed on to Indian consumers and that domestic prices of gas, petrol, and diesel should be reduced. That, however, did not happen and consumers were fleeced.”

Mr. Ramesh added “Now that international oil prices are climbing up because of the war in West Asia unleashed by the PM’s good friends — the U.S. and Israel — and Assembly elections are over, the Modi Govt has increased petrol and diesel prices after having hiked commercial LPG prices earlier. This is bound to lead to further inflation that is now projected to be close to 6% for this financial year. Growth estimates will be lowered considerably.” -- The Hindu Bureau

Amidst pressure on fuel supplies originating because of the conflict in West Asia and related concerns over under-recoveries, oil-marketing companies Friday (May 15, 2026) morning hiked prices of petrol and diesel by ₹3 across all variants.

That is, the latest price hikes extend to both the regular variants of petrol and diesel alongside the premium and high-octane products.

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday (May 15) defended the Centre’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices, saying the global conflict and ongoing energy crisis have impacted fuel rates across the world, while asserting that the Narendra Modi-led government had protected citizens from major economic shocks.

Speaking on the hike in fuel prices, Mr. Ghosh said the increase had been kept to a minimum despite difficult global circumstances. “For the past 3 years, a war has been going on in the world. Due to this, various types of crises have arisen in other countries. Prime Minister Modi has not let any harm come to us. 

Only the price of gas has increased. At least the price has been increased to the minimum,” Mr. Ghosh told reporters.

- ANI