Bengaluru, May 16 -- Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has defended the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating that India has imposed one of the lowest fuel price hikes globally despite the ongoing international conflicts and energy crisis.

The clarification comes amid sharp criticism from opposition parties after fuel prices were increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country. Addressing the issue with comparative global data, Joshi said India had increased fuel prices by only 3.2 per cent, while several countries witnessed far steeper hikes due to the ongoing instability in West Asia and disruptions in global oil supply chains.

According to the minister, countries such as the United States saw fuel prices ris...