India, May 16 -- Several Opposition parties on Friday attacked the Government over the hike in prices of petrol and diesel, warning that the move would worsen inflation and hamper economic growth.

The BJP, however, defended the hike, claiming that India managed to shield citizens from the global oil shock for more than two months while implementing only a "limited and calibrated" rise even as several countries witnessed steeper increases.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the public was paying the price for the Modi Government's "mistake" while party chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Government, alleging that the country was facing an economic crisis due to a "leadership crisis, lack of vision and incompetence".

The attack came as p...