Opposition leaders expressed strong criticism towards the government for the recent surge in petrol and diesel prices. They accused the government of burdening the public with frequent fuel price revisions amidst a global increase in crude oil rates. State-run oil marketing companies raised petrol prices by 86 paise per litre and diesel prices by 83 paise per litre, leading to concerns about inflation and household expenses.
Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari stated that the government was misleading citizens by continuously raising fuel prices, describing it as an indirect burden on the public. Congress leader Husain Dalwai also condemned the gradual increase in fuel prices, suggesting that the increments were strategically implemented to avoid immediate public backlash. Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal highlighted the impact of the Gulf situation on India’s energy supplies, resulting in higher domestic fuel prices.
Patra emphasized that the current Gulf scenario was causing challenges in India, particularly affecting gas supplies that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted a recent price hike of Rs 3.5 to Rs 4 in fuel prices and warned about the heavy financial strain on households. Patra proposed bringing petroleum products under the GST regime to alleviate the burden on consumers. Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu criticized the economic pressure faced by the public due to inflation and shortages, blaming both the central and state governments for failing to provide relief.
