Public Reels under the Blow of Widespread Inflation; BJP Responsible: Former CM Hooda

Rohtak/Chandigarh, May 20, 2026: Former Chief Minister of Haryana and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that rising inflation and fuel prices have broken the back of the common man. He said the BJP started increasing the rates of petrol and diesel as soon as the elections finished.

“The BJP began to show its true colors as soon as the elections in five states concluded, and has continuously hiked prices. On May 15, petrol and diesel prices rose by ₹3 per liter, followed by a further increase of approximately 90 paise on May 19. Due to the surge in oil prices, the cost of various commodities is constantly on the rise. From milk to pulses, from cooking oil to clothing—whether for running a household kitchen, managing a business, or commuting to the office—the budget for everything is skyrocketing,” he said.

Hooda noted the price of domestic LPG cylinders reached between ₹910 and ₹913 by March 2026. This stands in stark contrast to the BJP's election promise to provide cylinders for just ₹500—a promise upon which they rode to power. Conversely, during the Congress regime, the price of a cylinder rarely exceeded ₹400.

“Similarly, the rates for commercial 19-kg cylinders were hiked by ₹114.50 in March, ₹195.50 in April, and ₹993 on May 1st. This translates to a cumulative price surge of over ₹1300. Consequently, hotels, dhabas (roadside eateries), and small restaurants have been severely impacted. Small traders, taxi and truck drivers, and hotel owners are distressed by the commercial cylinder rates now exceeding ₹3000, which, in turn, drives up the cost of food and beverages,” he said.

The Former CM said that the 5-kg 'Chhotu' cylinders, commonly used by migrant workers, have also become more expensive. As a result, migrant laborers are being compelled to return to their native villages.

He said that in April 2026, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)—a measure of wholesale inflation—hit 8.3%, marking a 42-month high. This is not merely a statistic; it serves as a stark indicator of the alarming pace at which the prices of commodities essential for the public's daily consumption are rising. The monthly budgets of the poor and the middle class are being severely disrupted, while farming costs for agriculturists continue to escalate. In contrast to this, however, there has been no increase in the MSP.

The former Chief Minister said the purchasing power of poor and middle-class families has declined, savings are dwindling, and the cost of daily living is skyrocketing. During the tenure of the Congress government, a domestic LPG cylinder cost only around ₹400. Petrol was priced at ₹70 per liter, and diesel at ₹50-55 per liter. In other words, even during the most challenging times, the Congress kept inflation under control and provided relief to the public.

“The BJP, however, has consistently shirked its responsibilities and has discontinued all the subsidies and welfare schemes that were available during the Congress era. The Haryana government has drastically hiked VAT, while the Central government has excessively increased taxes. We demand that VAT and taxes be reduced, and that appropriate measures be taken to bring inflation under control,” he said.