Veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath criticized the government for imposing heavy taxes on fuel, alleging that the Centre earns about Rs 30 per liter on petrol and diesel, leading to significant profits for oil marketing companies. In Madhya Pradesh, a recent Rs 3 per liter increase has pushed petrol prices to around Rs 114.50 per liter and diesel to about Rs 100.09 per liter, impacting inflation and transportation costs for the public. Kamal Nath highlighted that the government is using international market conditions as an excuse to burden the public, calling it a direct exploitation of citizens.
Citing official data, Kamal Nath pointed out that petroleum companies have made substantial profits in recent years, with profits ranging from 28% to 78% in the last quarter alone. He criticized the lack of relief provided to the public when global crude prices were low, emphasizing that instead of passing on benefits to consumers, petroleum companies amassed huge profits during that period. The Congress leader questioned the rationale behind the recent price hikes, stating that even a slight increase in global crude prices is being used to justify the burden placed on the public.
Kamal Nath urged both the government and oil companies to alleviate the financial strain on households by reducing taxes and sharing a portion of their profits with the people. He highlighted that the heavy taxation on fuel is exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals dealing with inflation. The rise in fuel prices in Madhya Pradesh is attributed to global oil crises and higher international crude prices, impacting the daily lives of citizens.
