Inflation to rise further, Centre must protect people, says Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, March 19: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that inflation is likely to rise further due to the ongoing Ukraine war and urged the government of India to act immediately and protect the people.
The Congress MP also said that the crude oil prices are likely to jump over USD 100 per barrel and food prices could increase by 22 percent.
"Inflation is a tax on all Indians. Record price rise had crushed the poor and middle class even before the Ukraine war began. It will increase further as: Crude > $100/barrel, Food prices expected to rise 22 percent, Covid disrupts Global Supply Chain. GOI must act NOW. Protect people," Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.
Earlier this week, the Congress leader blasted the central government for rising inflation and low fixed deposit and provident fund rates, claiming that the common people are bearing the brunt of its "wrong policies."
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"Common citizens are facing the consequences of the wrong policies of the government: FD: 5.1 per cent (down), PPF: 7.1 per cent (down), EPF: 8.1 per cent (down). Retail Inflation: 6.07 per cent (up). Wholesale Inflation: 13.11 per cent (up). Is it not the responsibility of the government to provide relief to people?" Gandhi said on Tuesday.
According to government data issued on Monday, retail inflation reached an eight-month high of 6.07 percent in February, while wholesale price-based inflation jumped to 13.11 percent due to the hardening of crude oil and non-food item prices.
The wholesale price index has been put under pressure by the rise in crude oil and natural gas prices since the war between Russia and Ukraine began on February 24.
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-PTC News
