Nexus News Alert | New Delhi, 25 May 2026 — Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has firmly addressed the criticism surrounding the recent fuel price hike, stating that India cannot afford fear mongering. She warned that any reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel could lead to a revenue loss of around Rs 1 lakh crore for the government.
The latest fuel price hike marks the fourth increase in just 10 days, adding further pressure on household budgets and transportation costs across the country. Petrol and diesel prices were raised by over Rs 2 per litre on Monday.
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FM Sitharaman’s Key Remarks on Fuel Price Hike
Speaking at the 37th anniversary event of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the Finance Minister criticised the pessimistic narrative being pushed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeals for fuel conservation. She stressed the need to give confidence to people through both words and actions.
Sitharaman highlighted that the challenges are mostly externally driven due to the ongoing Middle East crisis and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. She urged everyone to focus on the “three Fs” — fuel, fertiliser, and forex — while asserting that India’s economy remains resilient despite global uncertainty.
Impact of Recent Fuel Price Hike
- Petrol and diesel prices have risen by nearly Rs 7.5 per litre in the last 11 days.
- The government recently revised its fuel duty structure to manage the situation.
- Rising global crude oil prices due to West Asia tensions are the main reason behind the repeated hikes.
The Finance Minister also expressed concern over Rs 8.1 lakh crore locked in delayed payments to MSMEs, which is affecting their working capital and growth.
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Government’s Stand on Fuel Price Hike
The government has maintained that the recent fuel price hike was necessary to handle fiscal challenges amid global uncertainty. However, opposition parties have strongly criticised the move, calling it an additional burden on common citizens.
FM Sitharaman’s strong remarks come as fuel prices continue to climb, affecting daily commuters, the transport sector, and overall inflation expectations in the country.
What Consumers Can Do Amid Fuel Price Hike
- Use public transport and carpool whenever possible
- Opt for fuel-efficient vehicles and two-wheelers
- Follow PM Modi’s appeal to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption
- Track daily fuel price updates in your city for better planning
The fuel price hike situation is being closely watched as global oil prices remain volatile due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Nexus News Alert will continue to provide the latest updates on fuel price hike, government responses, and their impact on the Indian economy and common citizens.
