The Congress on Monday (September 7, 2026) said rising prices of essential commodities were putting a strain on household budgets ahead of the festive season and accused the Union government of resorting to “statistical jugglery” instead of containing inflation.
“Wholesale prices of onions have doubled in just three weeks. With milk and sugar getting dearer, the cost of sweets was also rising, Mr. “Statistical jugglery cannot hide the impact of inflation.
Sugar has risen by 25%,” Mr.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said inflation’s “high-voltage shock” was weighing on the joys of festivals, with prices of several food items rising sharply. Ramesh said in a post on X. Prices of arhar, urad, mustard and refined oil had also increased, while almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins and walnuts had become costlier ahead of Deepavali, he said. Ramesh said. “The kitchen is expensive, festivals are costly, and the household budget is in distress,” he said. He accused the government of hiding the impact of inflation through “statistical jugglery” rather than addressing the price rise. The public is watching everything,” he said.
