Chennai: Hours after petrol and diesel prices were hiked across India by around Rs 3 per litre on Friday, the Opposition pounced on the Narendra Modi government in protest.
Questioning the timing of the hike, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay called the decision “unacceptable”.
In a statement released by the CMO, Tamil Nadu, Vijay said: “The Union Government’s public sector oil companies have increased the prices of petroleum products, especially petrol by Rs 3 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre. This is unacceptable.”
Vijay pointed out that when the price of crude oil in the international market decreases, the petrol companies do not reduce the prices of petrol and diesel accordingly, and, instead, only take profits. “This increase in the price of petroleum products after the assembly elections in five states is wrong,” he contended.
Stating that the increase burdens common people, raises transport and living costs and exacerbates inflation, Vijay called on the Centre to reconsider the move. “This price increase will have a significant impact on the monthly income of the poor, poor and middle-class people who use two-wheelers and scooters. Those who take bank loans and operate vehicles on rent will be subjected to additional financial burden and their economy will also be affected,” the statement read.
“This will lead to an increase in the prices of daily necessities and will also affect the purchasing power of the poor and poor people,” the statement said.
“Therefore, I urge the Union Government to immediately roll back the price hike of petroleum products, which is affecting the poor, the middle class, and micro, small and medium enterprises,” Vijay demanded.
Public paying price for Modi govt’s mistake, says Rahul
The Congress slammed the fuel price rise, saying that the people are paying the price for the mistakes of Modi government.
“Ghalti Modi sarkaar ki, keemat janta chukayegi (The public will pay the price for the Modi government’s mistake),” Rahul said in a post on X.
“The Rs 3 shock has already arrived, the rest of the ‘vasooli (recovery)’ will be done in instalments,” added the Leader of Opposition.
Double jumla, says Trinamool Congress
The Trinamool Congress, smarting from a big defeat at the hands of the BJP in the recent West Bengal Assembly polls, called the fuel price hike a “double jumla” from the state’s perspective.
“Kya huaaa, tera vaadaaaaa??! Absurd how Mr @SuvenduWB has ALREADY STARTED GOING BACK ON HIS PROMISES to the people of Bengal! Isn’t it time to act? Knock, knock @BJP4Bengal.. MS (petrol) prices (in Rs per litre): Delhi 97.77 (+3.00) Kolkata 108.74 (+3.29) 🤔 HSD (diesel) prices (in Rs per litre): Delhi 90.67 (+3.00) Kolkata 95.13 (+3.11) 🤔 Double Engine, Double Jumla,” the party posted on its official X handle.
Kya huaaa, tera vaadaaaaa??!
Absurd how Mr @SuvenduWB has ALREADY STARTED GOING BACK ON HIS PROMISES to the people of Bengal! Isn’t it time to act?
Knock, knock @BJP4Bengal –
MS (petrol) prices (in Rs per litre):
Delhi 97.77 (+3.00)
Kolkata 108.74 (+3.29) 🤔HSD (diesel)… pic.twitter.com/Fddujwi8Vi
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 15, 2026
