Rahul Gandhi Slams Govt Over Rupee Fall, Fuel Hike
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Mar 21, 2026
- 8
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the central government over the weakening of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar and the recent surge in industrial fuel prices, warning of impending inflationary pressures.
In a post on X, he remarked that the rupee’s slide towards the 100 mark against the dollar, coupled with rising fuel costs, are not mere statistics but early indicators of a looming inflation crisis.
He argued that despite government assurances, the real impact would be felt across the economy, as higher fuel prices would escalate production and transportation costs. According to him, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are likely to bear the brunt, while the cost of essential commodities is expected to rise significantly.
Gandhi further cautioned that increased outflows by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) could intensify pressure on the stock market, ultimately affecting household finances. “The real question is not what the government claims, but what remains on your plate,” he asserted, underscoring concerns over the common citizen’s purchasing power.
Meanwhile, state-run oil companies—including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited—have raised prices of premium petrol variants such as Speed, Power, and XP95 by ₹2.09 to ₹2.35 per litre. In Bhopal, prices have climbed to around ₹117 per litre, while regular petrol rates remain unchanged.
Additionally, Indian Oil has increased the price of industrial diesel by nearly 25%, pushing it from ₹87.67 to ₹109.59 per litre. This category of fuel is widely used by sectors such as railways, public transport, large-scale industries, hospitals, and commercial establishments, thereby amplifying its broader economic impact.
The rupee weakened by 64 paise to close at 93.53 against the dollar on March 20. Market analysts attribute the decline to escalating global geopolitical tensions and a sharp rise in crude oil prices, both of which continue to exert pressure on the domestic currency.