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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices. He claimed that the public is suffering due to the Modi government's mistake. The price hike of ₹3 per litre for both petrol and diesel came after a four-year gap. State-run fuel companies increased prices to cover rising global oil costs, triggered by the Iran war. In a Hindi post on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi said, "Ghalti Modi sarkaar ki, keemat janta chukayegi," meaning the public will pay for the government's error. He added that the ₹3 increase was just the start, with more hikes likely in the future. CNG prices also went up by ₹2 per kg in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Petrol in Delhi now costs ₹97.77 per litre, up from ₹94.77, while diesel is priced at ₹90.67, up from ₹87.67. Fuel prices vary across states due to different value-added taxes (VAT). Global crude oil prices have surged by over 50% since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The government had kept fuel prices frozen for months to protect consumers from rising energy costs. However, opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi suspect political motives behind the delay in price hikes, especially with key states going to elections. Fuel prices are now at their highest since May 2022. The hike came after theBJP expanded its influence by winning three of five state elections, including West Bengal.