Haj Fare Hike Sparks Political Storm Over ₹10,000 Increase
Opposition slams Centre as government cites Middle East crisis and rising jet fuel costs
- Haj Committee raises airfare by ₹10,000 per pilgrim
- Centre blames global fuel surge amid West Asia conflict
- Opposition terms move unjust and exploitative
- Pilgrims asked to pay revised amount by May 15
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st May: A major political controversy has erupted after the Haj Committee increased airfares for Indian pilgrims by an additional ₹10,000 this year, citing escalating aviation fuel costs linked to geopolitical instability in West Asia.
The Haj Committee, functioning under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, issued a circular attributing the one-time hike to extraordinary circumstances caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
According to the revised structure, each pilgrim will now bear an additional cost of approximately $100, despite airlines reportedly seeking fare increases of $300–$400.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the decision, stating that negotiations helped significantly reduce the financial burden on pilgrims amid global fuel market disruptions.
However, opposition leaders strongly criticized the hike.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi called the increase exploitative, arguing that many pilgrims save for years to fulfill their religious obligation and should not face sudden additional costs.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also questioned the last-minute revision, calling it unjust after prior fare commitments had already been finalized.
The controversy comes as jet fuel prices for international carriers have risen by nearly 5 percent, reflecting broader volatility in global crude markets.
