Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday criticised the central government for raising fuel prices despite a sharp drop in global oil rates. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chidambaram questioned the rationale behind the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices and the imposition of additional excise duties on petrol and diesel.

“I am setting out the context in which the central government has increased the price of LPG cylinder and imposed additional excise duty on petrol and diesel,” he wrote, pointing to the significant decline in global oil prices.

Calling for greater media scrutiny, he added, “The Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum’s ‘explanation’ has to be seen in this context — and critically analysed. I wish the media would ask more questions of the Hon’ble Union Minister.”

Falling oil prices

Oil prices have seen a significant decline in 2025, with Brent crude oil falling by USD 10.31 per barrel or 14.37 per cent since January 1. Currently, Brent stands at USD 64.62 per barrel, far lower than its historic high of USD 147.27 per barrel in July 2008.

Despite this sharp drop in global crude oil prices, the central government has announced a hike in LPG cylinder prices and imposed additional excise duties on petrol and diesel—a move that has sparked criticism from the opposition.

Starting April 8, the price of domestic LPG cylinders will rise by Rs 50, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Monday.

As per the revised rates, beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will now pay Rs 550 per cylinder, up from the previous Rs 500. For all other consumers, the price of a non-subsidised cylinder will increase to Rs 853.