New Delhi, May 15 -- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday defended the hike in fuel prices, comparing the 3.2% and 3.4% price increase in petrol in India to other countries, claiming that they witnessed the hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100% due to the West Asia conflict.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for balancing economic stability with public welfare, he credited the government for governing with responsibility and putting people first while making decisions.

"As the world battled rising fuel costs after the West Asia conflict, India stood apart. While several countries witnessed petrol & diesel hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100%, India limited the increase to just +3.2% for petrol & +3.4% for diesel," Rij...