'Why don't we import Russian oil?': Kejriwal to Modi
What's the story
After a series of fuel price hikes, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India's decision not to import cheaper oil from Russia and Iran. In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal said that 140 crore Indians are suffering due to rising inflation. He asked what PM Modi's "compulsions" are in this regard.
Price surge
Fuel prices at highest since May 2022
On Monday, petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹2.61 and ₹2.71 per liter, respectively. This was the fourth hike in less than two weeks, taking cumulative increases since May 15 to nearly ₹7.5 per liter. The current prices are the highest since May 2022, after remaining mostly unchanged for over two years, with only a minor reduction in March 2024 ahead of national elections.
Public response
Appeal to citizens to share views on matter
Kejriwal also appealed to citizens to share their views on the matter with him. He emphasized that despite offers from Russia and Iran for cheaper oil, India continues to face hardships due to rising fuel prices. The latest price hike comes even as global oil prices have fallen amid hopes of a deal ending the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Counterargument
BJP leader Amit Malviya responds to allegations
Responding to Kejriwal's allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya said that India is already importing 2.3 million barrels of oil per day from Russia. He called Kejriwal's claims "This propaganda is not only 'incomplete but deliberately misleading.'" Malviya added that, despite when global crude oil prices were surging due to geopolitical tensions, India was among the few countries where fuel prices were reduced repeatedly to provide relief.
Price adjustment
Malviya explains reasons behind price hike
Malviya further explained that for nearly four years, the government and oil marketing companies (OMCs) bore the burden of international price hikes. He said the recent increase is part of a delayed adjustment process. The final prices at petrol pumps also include a significant value-added tax (VAT) levied by state governments, which varies from state to state.
Twitter Post
Amit Malviya's reply to Kejriwal's charge
यह प्रोपेगेंडा अधूरा ही नहीं, बल्कि जानबूझकर भ्रामक है।
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 25, 2026
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