The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected claims of increase in prices of petrol and diesel after the elections, calling them “fake” and reiterated that fuel rates remain unchanged.
In a post on Twitter on Thursday, the ministry said that “there are reports of increase in prices of petrol and diesel. It is clarified that no such proposal is under consideration by the government.”
The post further said that “such news is designed to create fear and panic among citizens and is mischievous and misleading.”
It said that India is the only country where the prices of petrol and diesel have not increased in the last four years. “The Government of India and public sector oil companies have consistently taken steps to protect Indian citizens from the sharp rise in international prices.”
The ministry urged citizens not to be misled by unconfirmed information circulating on social media.
The clarification comes in the backdrop of rising global crude oil prices, which had given rise to speculation on social media about a possible revision in domestic fuel rates after voting ends in India.
The government clarified that oil marketing companies have kept retail prices stable by absorbing fluctuations in crude oil costs, which is in line with the government’s broader efforts to protect consumers from inflationary pressures.
The ministry’s latest statement was issued aimed at refuting misinformation being spread online, with many posts claiming that fuel prices would soon increase. Rejecting these claims, the Ministry clarified that there has been no revision in the prices and the existing rates will remain applicable.
The government has on several occasions stressed its commitment to ensuring affordability of essential fuels, especially at a time when global energy markets remain uncertain. The decision to keep retail prices unchanged despite the increasing pressure of international crude oil is being considered a part of this strategy.
With the ministry’s latest clarification, the government has once again urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and not react to rumours, as fuel prices remain unchanged across the country.
