New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected social media claims that petrol and diesel prices will be increased after the Assembly elections in five states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala.
The ministry’s clarification came after posts circulated online suggesting that fuel prices would be raised once the election process concludes. Polling has already been held in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, while voting in Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal have also been completed, with another phase in West Bengal scheduled.
In a statement, the Centre said it is not considering any such move and alleged that the rumours were created to spread fear and confusion among the public. It urged people not to be misled by unverified information shared on social media.
The statement also said India has not raised petrol and diesel prices over the past four years, and that the government and public sector oil companies have taken continuous steps to shield consumers from sharp increases in international crude prices.
According to the ministry, oil companies have been absorbing fluctuations in crude oil costs to keep retail prices stable, in line with broader efforts to protect consumers from inflationary pressures. It reiterated that there will be no change in petrol and diesel prices based on the viral claims.
