India's fuel prices stay high as Congress slams govt despite crude oil dip

Global crude oil prices have slipped in recent days, yet retail prices for petrol, diesel and LPG in India have shown little relief. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the central government of failing to transmit the benefit to consumers, saying “the government has not passed on the advantage of cheaper crude to the common man” and slammed fuel taxes that he says burden the middle class, farmers and transport workers.

At the same time, tensions between the United States and Iran pushed Brent crude above $72 a barrel and WTI to $69.7, reviving market volatility. Analysts note that, although the recent dip keeps oil costs lower than earlier peaks and offers temporary ease to India’s import bill and inflation pressure, any new geopolitical flare‑up could quickly reverse the trend.