Social media users question Bollywood celebrities over their silence on recent fuel price hikes, drawing comparisons with outspoken reactions during the UPA era.

Rising fuel prices across India have once again triggered political and social debate, with several social media users questioning the silence of Bollywood celebrities who had previously spoken out during similar hikes more than a decade ago.

Petrol and diesel prices have seen a noticeable increase this month, sparking comparisons with the UPA-era fuel hikes of 2011 and 2012, when many film stars openly criticised the government through social media posts and public remarks.

Critics online are now revisiting those old statements and contrasting them with the relative silence from several major Bollywood personalities amid the latest increases. Some users have described the lack of reaction as “selective outrage,” alleging that celebrity activism changes depending on the political climate.

Others, however, argue that the current fuel price situation is influenced by global developments, including tensions in West Asia and fluctuations in international crude oil markets. Some supporters of the actors also say celebrities are under no obligation to comment on every political or economic issue.

The debate reflects a broader shift in how public figures are viewed in the age of social media. Audiences increasingly expect celebrities to maintain consistency in their political or social positions, especially on issues directly affecting daily life such as fuel prices and inflation.

For ordinary citizens, however, the concern remains practical rather than political. Rising fuel costs often lead to increased transportation expenses and higher prices for essential goods, affecting household budgets across urban and rural India alike.