The Madhya Pradesh Congress criticized the BJP-led Centre for the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, urging a Rs 10 per litre reduction to ease the burden on the public. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath highlighted that fuel rates surged by 90 paise per litre within a week, attributing the price increase more to state government taxes than international factors.
Nath emphasized the substantial price gap between fuel costs in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring Uttar Pradesh, noting that petrol prices in Madhya Pradesh are Rs 13 higher per litre on average, with diesel prices Rs 4 higher. He pointed out that the state’s tax structure, including 29% VAT and additional cess on petrol, and 19% VAT on diesel, significantly contributes to the high rates.
The Congress leader stressed that Madhya Pradesh residents bear over Rs 30 per litre in taxes on petrol and over Rs 20 per litre on diesel to the state government, which he asserted is unrelated to global circumstances. Following the latest hike, petrol prices in Bhopal reached Rs 110.75 per litre, while diesel stood at Rs 95.91 per litre.
Madhya Pradesh Congress urged the state government to promptly reduce these taxes to prevent citizens from facing exorbitant fuel prices. Nath also highlighted that elevated fuel prices lead to revenue losses as truck operators and heavy vehicle owners opt to refuel in neighboring states, affecting border districts as well. State Congress president Jitu Patwari also criticized the BJP government for the consecutive rise in fuel prices, impacting household expenses, farming costs, and the financial strain on the middle class.
