Amid soaring fuel and LPG prices, the Congress has mounted a sharp offensive against the Centre, calling for a special session of Parliament to discuss the inflation crisis. The party also demanded a white paper on the government’s handling of price hikes, citing the burden it places on ordinary citizens, especially women and the poor. At a press conference, Congress leader Alka Lamba lashed out at the BJP-led government for allegedly turning a blind eye to the pain of the public and favouring corporate profits over people’s welfare.
Excise Duty and Price Comparison Under UPA vs Modi Government
Alka Lamba, who heads the Congress women’s wing, cited stark comparisons between the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era and the current Modi regime. According to her, petrol was priced at Rs 72 per litre and diesel at Rs 55 per litre during the Congress government in 2014. Under the present government, petrol prices have risen to between Rs 98 and Rs 100 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs 88 per litre. Alka Lamba further stated that excise duty on petrol has more than doubled, from Rs 9.20 per litre in 2014 to Rs 19.90 per litre today. For diesel, the duty has surged from Rs 3.46 to Rs 15.80 per litre. Ironically, she pointed out, these hikes have occurred despite a significant drop in global crude oil prices, which have fallen from USD 108 per barrel in 2014 to around USD 65.31 per barrel now.
Call for Relief Measures and Accountability
Alka Lamba accused the government of prioritising revenue collection over public welfare, alleging that both the government and private entities were reaping profits at the expense of the masses. She demanded immediate reductions in LPG, petrol, and diesel prices, and urged the Centre to implement strict policies to control the prices of essential commodities. Emphasising the disproportionate impact on women and economically weaker sections, she called for a dedicated relief package to support these vulnerable groups.
The Congress party also demanded a CAG audit to investigate alleged profiteering in the fuel sector. Alka Lamba warned that if the audit is not conducted, it would raise questions about the BJP’s involvement in the pricing decisions. Meanwhile, the government recently announced a hike in excise duties by Rs 2 per litre for petrol and diesel, and increased the price of domestic LPG by Rs 50 per cylinder. The party said its nationwide agitation will continue until these concerns are addressed.
