Political Parties Criticize Fuel Price Hike Amid Economic Concerns
Political Reactions to Fuel Price Increase
The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices has drawn sharp criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), who argue that this decision will severely impact the common man and adversely affect farmers.
Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab's Finance Minister and a senior leader of AAP, stated that this move has exposed the BJP's 'anti-farmer and anti-people' stance. He expressed his views on 'X', saying, 'While the central government raises petrol and diesel prices by three rupees, it only increases the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by a mere 72 rupees per quintal. This is a direct blow to farmers' income. Increasing MSP one day and hiking diesel prices the next day effectively robs farmers of their rightful compensation.'
Cheema further emphasized, 'The BJP's anti-farmer and anti-people face is now evident to all.'
Congress's state unit president, Amarinder Singh Raja Wadding, also criticized the central government on 'X', stating, 'The Modi government first advises citizens to minimize vehicle usage, then promotes the Prime Minister's small convoy, and now quietly raises petrol and diesel prices by three rupees.'
He questioned, 'Was this the real game behind that drama?' Wadding added, 'Farmers, truck operators, and middle-class families will bear the brunt. Everything essential will become more expensive. The truth is clear - the BJP does not reduce inflation; it merely creates headlines. 'This time, petrol will cross a hundred.'
In light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Modi recently suggested prudent use of petrol and diesel, increased use of metro rail services in cities, adopting carpooling, promoting electric vehicles, utilizing railway services for parcel transport, and working from home.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, remarked that the simultaneous increase of three rupees in petrol and diesel prices and two rupees in CNG will further burden the already struggling common man. He posted on 'X', stating, 'Farmers will also suffer from this hike, and the minimal increase of 72 rupees per quintal in MSP will not provide them any relief. The business and industrial sectors will also face significant losses.'
Badal urged the central government to take immediate effective measures to combat inflation and announce strategies to enhance the income of farmers, traders, and the general public. The price hike of three rupees per liter for petrol and diesel was implemented on Friday, marking the first increase in four years. This rise is attributed to the escalating global crude oil prices, which have led to increased losses for oil marketing companies.