Telangana Congress leaders slam Centre over hike in petrol and diesel prices

Telangana Congress leaders reacted strongly to the increase in petrol and diesel prices on Friday, May 15, 2026. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president and MLC B. Mahesh Kumar Goud slammed the Union Government for increasing prices once again and said it was an additional burden on common people.

In a statement published here on Friday, May 15, 2026, Mr. Goud expressed anger over the increase, noting that citizens were already struggling with rising costs of essential goods, cooking gas and electricity. “Instead of providing relief, the (Narendra) Modi government is breaking the spine of common people,” he said.

He pointed out that international crude oil prices have fallen, but the Center has not been able to pass on this benefit to consumers. He warned that the increase in fuel prices would increase transportation costs and trigger an increase in the prices of all goods, ultimately harming the poor and middle classes.

Mr. Goud accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of ignoring prosperity promises made during the elections and instead focusing on policies that benefit corporates. He alleged that the Center was more interested in tax collection than public welfare.

Demanding immediate relief, the TPCC chief urged the Union Government to reduce petrol and diesel prices to ease the burden on citizens.

State Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar accused the BJP-led Union Government of cheating citizens by increasing petrol and diesel prices soon after the elections. He said the Center had deliberately delayed the hikes till the elections in four states were concluded, only to burden the people once the voting was over.

Mr. Prabhakar stated that even before the new Chief Ministers were sworn in, fuel prices were increased and this was affecting ordinary citizens, especially in Telangana. He criticized Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay for repeatedly assuring the public that prices will not increase.

He recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had once ridiculed the UPA over small fuel increases, but now implemented large increases. “The government is citing war and stock issues, but these excuses are not valid. People are being crushed under rising costs,” he said. He added that the Congress Party will collectively oppose the hikes and hold the BJP leaders accountable.

Nagarkurnool MP Mallu RaviHe described the fuel price hike right after the elections as a betrayal of the public’s trust. Dr. Ravi accused the Modi-led BJP government of “punishing citizens while protecting oil companies” and argued that aid was denied even when global crude oil prices fell. “The government is behaving like a business enterprise, not a welfare state,” he said, adding that the hike revealed its “anti-middle class and anti-poor character.”