Congress demands roll-back of petrol, diesel price hike

NEW DELHI: Congress tonight demanded immediate roll-back of the "massive" hike in petrol and diesel prices and accused the government of "profiteering at the cost of gullible farmer and common man."

The party's media department incharge Randeep Surjewala said the increase in petrol and diesel prices by the Narendra Modi government is "another step reflecting a disconnect with people-oriented governance".

"Instead of adjusting excise and customs duty revenue which is leading to an accrual of additional Rs 90,000 crore, government is profiteering at the cost of gullible farmer and common man", he said.

"We demand roll-back of this massive increase at a time when the common man is already reeling under unprecedented inflation", Surejwala said.

After two rounds of cuts, petrol prices were today raised by Rs 3.96 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.37 a litre.