Inflation has started showing again as soon as the assembly elections of five states including Uttar Pradesh are over. Taking a jibe at the central government regarding this, the opposition called it a gift of BJP to the public. It started with the prices of petrol and diesel. Their prices have been increased by 80 paise for the second consecutive day. The price of domestic gas cylinders was increased by Rs 50 on Tuesday itself. The price of petrol in the national capital Delhi will now be Rs 97.01 per liter as against Rs 96.21 per liter earlier. At the same time, the price of diesel has increased from Rs 87.47 per liter to Rs 88.27. In March last year, the price of petrol in Delhi was Rs 91 and that of diesel was Rs 81.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that “During the campaign for the 2022 assembly elections, I had already said that the prices of domestic cylinders of petrol, diesel and LPG will increase if BJP comes to power. The increase in fuel and gas prices is the BJP’s first gift to the people of the country after forming the government in four states.
This type of inflation is expected to continue in the future as well. It is being told that oil companies can increase prices by up to Rs 17 per liter. In the international market, the crude oil which was $ 81.6 per barrel in November has now increased to $ 115 per barrel.
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, prices were stable since November 4, ahead of the assembly elections. After a record 137 days, the price has been increased by 80 paise per liter on 22 March. Oil companies are now making up for the losses. According to Crisil Research, a hike of Rs 15-20 per liter is needed to fully overcome the rise in international oil prices. India is 85 per cent dependent on imports to meet its oil requirements.
Many in the national capital expressed dismay at the jump in prices, but said it was not surprising. He said, “It is worrying but it was expected because now the assembly elections are over and the war is going on in Ukraine. The government listens to the people only during elections. Now the election is over, so it was expected to happen.”