Senior Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday raised concerns over the weakening of the Indian rupee and rising industrial fuel prices, warning that these trends indicate a possible surge in inflation that could significantly impact households and small businesses.
In a message posted on his WhatsApp channel, Gandhi said the rupee’s slide against the US dollar towards the 100 mark, along with a sharp increase in industrial fuel costs, should not be viewed as routine fluctuations. “These are not just numbers; they are clear signs of upcoming inflation,” he said.
Taking aim at the Centre, Gandhi alleged that the government was downplaying the seriousness of the situation. “The government may call this ‘normal’, but the reality is that production and transport will become expensive, MSMEs will take the biggest hit, prices of everyday goods will rise, and FII money may flow out rapidly, increasing pressure on the stock market,” he said.
He cautioned that the cumulative impact of these developments would be widespread. “That means every family will feel a direct and deep impact on their pockets,” Gandhi said, adding that further increases in fuel prices could be on the horizon. “It is only a matter of time—after the elections, petrol, diesel, and LPG prices may also be hiked,” he claimed.
India has witnessed periodic inflationary pressures in recent years, driven by global commodity price volatility, exchange rate movements, and supply chain disruptions. The rupee–dollar dynamic remains a key indicator, as a weaker rupee raises import costs—especially for crude oil—thereby impacting fuel prices and transportation costs across sectors.
Gandhi also criticised the broader economic approach of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing it of lacking a clear roadmap. “The Modi government has no direction, no strategy—only rhetoric,” he said, adding, “The question is not what the government is saying; the question is what is left on your plate.”
The remarks come amid an intensifying political debate over inflation, employment, and economic management, with opposition parties increasingly focusing on cost-of-living concerns ahead of key electoral contests.