Modi faces criticism as fuel prices rise as Crude Oil costs fall

The Narendra Modi-led government is facing a barrage of criticism from netizens and opposition parties following its decision to hike excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre and increase the price of LPG cylinders by Rs 50, at a time when global crude oil prices have plummeted to an all-time low.

The controversial move, announced on Monday, has sparked outrage across social media platforms and drawn sharp rebukes from political rivals, who accuse the Centre of exploiting citizens instead of passing on the benefits of cheaper oil.

Simultaneously, the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder was hiked by Rs 50. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified that the excise duty increase would not immediately affect retail fuel prices, as state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) would absorb the hike.

However, this assurance has done little to stem the tide of public anger.

Opposition leaders slam the govt

Opposition leaders wasted no time in slamming the decision.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to X, stating, “When crude oil has hit a four-year low, the Modi government should have reduced petrol and diesel prices to benefit the people. Instead, it’s busy extorting them by raising excise duty by ₹2. Looting, fraud, and extortion have become the hallmarks of this regime.”

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) echoed similar sentiments.

BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao called it “a shameless cash grab,” while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Modi ji promised ‘acche din,’ but all we get is ‘mehngaai din.’ The Centre is fleecing the poor when it should be offering relief.”

Netizens are vocal

Netizens have been equally vocal. The sentiment reflects growing frustration among citizens, many of whom expected lower fuel costs amid a global crude price slump, currently hovering around $60 per barrel—a 41% drop since May 2014.

The timing of the hikes has added fuel to the fire, coinciding with a massive stock market sell-off on Monday that erased ₹19.4 lakh crore in investor wealth.

As the backlash intensifies, the Modi government finds itself on the defensive, with opposition parties planning protests and netizens amplifying their discontent online.