NEW DELHI — Defending the central government’s decision to implement a ₹3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the move is a “balanced” and essential response to the compounding energy crisis in West Asia.
Taking to social media, Rijiju shared a comparative global data chart to emphasize that while the escalating Middle East conflict has unleashed hyperinflation and skyrocketing fuel costs worldwide, India has managed to shield its citizens from the worst of the economic shockwaves.
How India Compares Globally (May 2026 Fuel Data):
| Country | Petrol Price Change | Diesel Price Change |
| Myanmar | +89.7% | +112.7% |
| Malaysia | +56.3% | +71.2% |
| India | +3.2% | +3.4% |
Absorbing the Shock of $100+ Brent Crude
The Union Minister highlighted that the nominal ₹3 bump represents the first fuel price adjustment in India in four years. He noted that the domestic price cap was maintained even as global benchmark Brent crude breached the $100 per barrel mark due to severe naval chokepoint disruptions in the Gulf.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X: > “While several countries witnessed petrol & diesel hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100%, India limited the increase… India’s public sector oil companies absorbed huge losses for weeks to protect citizens from inflation & economic pressure. This is governance with responsibility.”
Oil Refineries Running at Over 100% Capacity
Echoing the government’s stance, Arvind Kumar, Director (Refineries) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), downplayed the increase as a “very small rise” given the intense global market pressures.
Kumar reassured consumers that public sector oil units are operating at above 100% operational capacity round-the-clock to prevent any domestic supply dry-outs or fuel shortages at retail outlets across the country.
