Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (May 15, 2026) attacked the Centre over the petrol and diesel price hike, saying the public is paying the price for the Modi government's mistake.

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His attack came after petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre each, marking the first increase in more than four years, as state-run fuel retailers passed on part of the hit from surging global crude prices triggered by the Iran war.

In a post in Hindi on X, Mr. Gandhi said, "Ghalti Modi sarkaar ki, keemat janta chukayegi (The public will pay the price for the Modi government's mistake)."

"The Rs 3 shock has already arrived, the rest of the 'vasooli (recovery)' will be done in instalments," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

CNG prices in cities like Delhi and Mumbai were raised by Rs 2 per kg.

Petrol price in the national capital has been increased to ₹97.77 per litre from ₹94.77, while diesel now costs ₹90.67 against ₹87.67 per litre previously, industry sources said.

Rates vary across states due to differences in value-added tax.

Global crude oil prices have surged more than 50 per cent since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran's subsequent retaliation that disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments.

Despite the surge in crude prices, retail fuel rates were kept frozen as part of what the government said was an effort to shield price-sensitive consumers from higher global energy costs.

But the Opposition parties saw political motives behind the move as key States went to the polls.

The increase in fuel prices followed the completion of elections and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's expansion of its influence after winning three of five states, including West Bengal, where it came to power for the first time.

Petrol and diesel prices are now at their highest since May 2022.