Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the Central government for the recent significant increase in petrol and diesel prices. Gehlot accused the government of burdening the common people with rising fuel costs despite fluctuations in international crude oil prices.
Speaking at Sanganer Airport, Gehlot highlighted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s prediction about the post-election fuel price surge in Bengal, which has now become a reality. He also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi’s recent calls for savings and restraint had hinted at a possible price hike.
Gehlot recalled the time during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure when crude oil prices reached $115–120 per barrel under the UPA government. Despite this, petrol and diesel prices were not as high as they are today, according to Gehlot. He criticized the current government for not passing on the benefits of lower international crude prices to the public.
Questioning the Centre’s taxation structure on fuel, Gehlot claimed that changes in excise duty patterns have significantly reduced the revenue share of states. He alleged that the states’ effective share has been almost eliminated due to additional and special excise duties imposed by the government.
Gehlot accused the government of following economic policies that are detrimental to the poor and middle class, emphasizing that the impact of increasing fuel prices disproportionately affects ordinary citizens rather than large industrialists. Despite economic progress in recent years, Gehlot argued that the benefits were not reaching the public, with the government relying more on rhetoric than tangible benefits for the people.
Petroleum companies recently announced a sharp rise in fuel prices, citing escalating international crude oil prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
