Chennai, May 26 -- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson TKS Elangovan on Tuesday blamed the Narendra Modi-led Central government for rising fuel prices, alleging that India's decision to reduce crude oil purchases from Russia under pressure from the United States had triggered the latest hike in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices.

His remarks came after the retail price of CNG in Chennai was increased to Rs 95 per kilogram with effect from May 26, prompting concerns among auto-rickshaw drivers and transport workers over rising operational costs.

"This is because of Modi. Problem with Modi is he had stopped the purchase of crude oil from Russia under pressure from Trump. Now we are facing the problem," Elangovan said.

"If crude...