'Petrol In Delhi Cheaper Than Four Years Ago': Hardeep Puri Defends Fuel Price Hikes
'Petrol In Delhi Cheaper Than Four Years Ago': Hardeep Puri Defends Fuel Price Hikes Published By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 13:52 IST Hardeep Puri
'Petrol In Delhi Cheaper Than Four Years Ago': Hardeep Puri Defends Fuel Price Hikes Published By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 13:52 IST Hardeep Puri said India weathered global energy shocks through diversified sourcing and diplomacy, while accusing the opposition of misleading voters on fuel prices. A file photo of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri (PTI) Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday defended the government’s record on fuel prices, arguing that despite unprecedented global energy shocks, petrol in the national capital remains cheaper than it was four years ago and consumers have been protected from the full impact of international crude oil volatility. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Puri pushed back against opposition criticism over fuel prices and said the government’s handling of the energy sector during successive global crises demonstrated its ability to shield Indian consumers. Referring to major disruptions in February 2022 (when the Russia-Ukraine war began) and February 2026 (when the Iran war began), Puri noted that the crises originated outside India. “February 2022 was the last time we increased the prices. We brought prices down since then," Puri said, while explaining how the government navigated disruptions in global energy markets. “These events are not of our making.
The world has never seen anything like this," he said. Despite those challenges, he argued that India had managed to emerge relatively insulated from the worst effects of the turmoil. “We are not badly off even though the global situation is worrisome," Puri said, adding that today, India enjoys significant “energy autonomy" and “sovereignty". Taking aim at opposition parties, the minister questioned their allegations regarding petrol and diesel prices and pointed to differences in state-level taxation. He also argued that fuel prices in several opposition-ruled states remain higher than in BJP-governed states, undermining criticism directed at the Centre. “Why are the petrol and diesel prices higher in other states as compared to the BJP-governed states? This exposes the absurdity of the allegation," he said. Puri’s remarks come as fuel prices continue to remain a recurring political issue, with opposition parties frequently accusing the government of burdening consumers. Defending the Centre’s record, Puri maintained that the government had successfully managed to keep the impact of global events on domestic consumers to a minimum. “The Prime Minister has been able to demonstrate how to navigate the crisis through minimum impact," he said. According to the minister, despite dramatic fluctuations in international energy markets, retail fuel prices have remained relatively stable. He stressed that the government had prioritised consumer welfare even during periods of severe geopolitical uncertainty.
Puri also rejected suggestions that fuel pricing decisions were linked to electoral cycles. “General elections happened in 2024, other elections also happened in Maharashtra, Haryana, and other states, but the prices didn’t go up," he said. The petroleum minister described the past few years as some of the most challenging periods for the global energy sector. “These 12 years have been remarkable. For a leader to be elected for the third time, numbers tell the story of what PM Narendra Modi has done," he said. Explaining how India managed to withstand supply disruptions, Puri also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic engagement with world leaders and the government’s strategy of diversifying energy sources. “One is outstanding statesmanship, making contact, striking deals at the level of summits. The Prime Minister is talking to his counterparts all over the world. We have diversified sources," he said. The minister revealed that India now sources energy from a much wider network of countries. “We are buying energy from 41 countries in the world," he said. Puri also highlighted the challenges posed by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of India’s energy imports pass. “We were able, against all odds, to keep the price line at a minimum when the Strait of Hormuz closed down, choked.
We are importing nearly 60 per cent of our LPG through it and 90 per cent of our crude," he said. Acknowledging that the disruption pushed global oil prices sharply higher, he added, “Yes, there was a disruption." Even amid such challenges, Puri said consumer protection remained central to the government’s approach. “Protecting the consumer is not just an article of faith for PM Modi," he said, arguing that the government’s fuel pricing record reflected that commitment. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: June 08, 2026, 13:52 IST News india 'Petrol In Delhi Cheaper Than Four Years Ago': Hardeep Puri Defends Fuel Price Hikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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