Fuel Prices Soar as Centre Yields to US on Russia Oil: AAP

In a blistering critique from Noida, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Modi government of prioritizing US dictates over Indian interests, leading to curtailed cheap Russian oil imports and a sharp rise in domestic fuel costs. The Delhi AAP chief flagged the fresh hike of Rs 3 per litre in petrol and diesel, predicting more pain ahead for India's middle class. 'This is merely the beginning of a tough inflationary phase,' he declared, linking it squarely to geopolitical shifts. Once a smart move, buying discounted crude from Russia had shielded India from global oil shocks. But now, under Washington's thumb, that strategy lies in tatters, Bharadwaj charged, forcing refiners to source pricier alternatives. Hypocrisy runs deep, he said: While the government lectures the public on frugality—skip foreign vacations, hold off on gold—the elite industrialists are free to offshore massive investments, draining precious forex. Economic red flags abound. Unemployment is rampant, with tech-savvy graduates sidelined and IT firms axing jobs left and right. The trade imbalance worsens as imports outpace exports, fueling inflation and eroding purchasing power. Bharadwaj called for transparency from the Centre on these mounting challenges and urgent action to stabilize prices. Without bold steps, he warned, public discontent could boil over into widespread unrest.