Congress Introduces ‘Fourth F’ in Response to Sitharaman’s 3F Warning as CNG Prices Surge in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi: The Opposition has intensified its criticism of the Central Government following a recent hike in fuel prices, particularly in CNG rates across Delhi-NCR. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the price increases, attributing them to global energy pressures exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

CNG Price Increases and Political Reactions

On Tuesday, CNG prices in Delhi-NCR rose by Rs 2 per kg, marking the fourth increase in just two weeks. Following this adjustment, CNG now costs Rs 83.09 per kg in Delhi, while prices in Noida and Ghaziabad have reached Rs 91.70 per kg. This latest hike follows previous increases of Rs 2 on May 15, and Rs 1 each on May 18 and May 23, as state-run oil companies began passing on the impact of rising global energy costs linked to Middle Eastern tensions.

Congress leaders have accused the Modi administration of placing an undue burden on ordinary citizens, even as oil marketing companies report substantial profits. Congress MP Manish Tewari remarked on the irony of the situation, stating that while oil companies are enjoying significant profits, the common man is facing severe financial strain. He pointed out that petrol prices have surpassed Rs 100 in many Indian cities, with diesel nearing Rs 90.

Criticism of Economic Management

Tewari further criticized the government’s economic management, asserting that the Finance Minister’s acknowledgment of crises in fuel, fertilizer, and foreign exchange is indicative of a lack of action over the past 12 years. He expressed concern over the outflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India, questioning the government’s approach to stabilizing the rupee.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also weighed in on the matter, highlighting the Finance Minister’s warning about the challenges related to fuel, fertilizers, and forex. He emphasized that the Finance Minister overlooked a critical issue: the declining rates of private investment.

In a post on X, Ramesh stated, “The FM has said that the 3Fs—Fuel, Fertilisers, and Forex—are matters of great concern. But she forgets the all-important fourth F: Falling rates of private investment that have been in evidence these past few years.” He noted a decline in net FDI inflows and suggested that Indian businesses are increasingly looking for more stable and profitable opportunities abroad.

Concerns Over Investment Climate

Ramesh accused the Modi government of fostering an environment characterized by “threat, intimidation, and intrusiveness,” which he believes discourages investment. He also pointed to weak consumer demand as a significant factor hindering corporate investment, emphasizing the need for the government to recognize and address the underlying issues affecting the economy.

In defense of the recent fuel price hikes, Sitharaman stated that the government had shielded consumers from higher fuel costs for nearly 76 days, despite volatility in global crude oil prices. She highlighted that the government had provided relief exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore annually through reductions in excise duty.

Sitharaman explained that without these reductions, prices could have surged by Rs 10 per litre. She clarified that the current price increases are a result of actions taken by oil marketing companies responsible for procuring and selling fuel.

Monitoring Economic Challenges

The Finance Minister underscored the necessity for India to closely monitor the “three Fs”—fuel, fertilizer, and forex—amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the crisis in Iran. She noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for conserving foreign exchange reserves is especially pertinent in the current context.

Regarding concerns about the depreciating rupee, Sitharaman indicated that the government is reviewing various recommendations related to investments and currency stability from different departments and stakeholders.

As reported by www.timesnownews.com.

Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section: https://famedelivered.com/magazine/

Published on 2026-05-26 09:45:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk