FuelPrices – Pinarayi Vijayan Attacks Centre Over Latest Fuel Price Increase
FuelPrices – Former Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Pinarayi Vijayan has sharply criticised the Union Government over the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices, saying the move would worsen the financial difficulties already faced by ordinary families across the country.
The Centre on Friday announced a hike of Rs 3 per litre for both petrol and diesel as global crude oil prices continued to rise amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Brent crude has crossed the USD 100 per barrel mark following disruptions linked to the ongoing regional conflict.
Vijayan Says Common People Will Face Greater Pressure
In a statement issued from his office, Vijayan said the increase in fuel prices comes at a time when people are struggling with higher prices of food items, transportation, and other essential expenses. He argued that the additional burden would directly affect daily life, especially for low-income households and salaried families.
The senior CPI(M) leader claimed the Central Government had earlier failed to provide relief to consumers when international crude oil prices had fallen. According to him, instead of transferring the benefits of lower crude prices to the public, the government has now imposed another increase by citing losses faced by oil marketing companies.
Concerns Raised Over Transport and Essential Commodity Prices
Vijayan warned that the fuel price revision could lead to a fresh rise in transportation costs, which may eventually push up the prices of essential goods across markets. He said workers, farmers, and middle-class citizens would likely feel the strongest impact because transportation plays a major role in supply chains and daily commuting.
He also criticised the Centre’s handling of cooking gas pricing and supply management. Referring to repeated LPG price increases and supply shortages in recent years, Vijayan alleged that policy failures had already placed many households under severe financial stress. He stated that the latest fuel decision would only deepen public hardship instead of offering relief.
CPI(M) Leader Targets Centre’s Economic Policies
The former Kerala Chief Minister accused the Union Government of favouring corporate interests while placing the economic burden on common citizens through repeated fuel price revisions. He demanded immediate intervention from the Centre and urged the government to reconsider and withdraw what he described as an unfair decision.
According to Vijayan, fuel pricing decisions have a wider economic impact because they influence transport charges, production costs, and retail prices in multiple sectors. He stressed that any increase in petrol and diesel rates eventually affects the overall cost of living.
West Asia Conflict Behind Global Crude Oil Surge
The recent increase in fuel prices comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical instability in West Asia. Global oil markets have witnessed significant volatility after tensions intensified following the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.
The disruption in crude oil supply routes and fears of extended instability in the region have pushed Brent crude prices above USD 100 per barrel. Analysts believe continued uncertainty in the region could keep international energy prices elevated in the coming weeks.
Centre Defends Fuel Price Revision
Meanwhile, the Union Government defended the latest price increase, saying India’s fuel hike remains relatively lower compared to several other countries affected by the global crude oil crisis.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that petrol prices in India had increased by around 3.2 per cent to 3.4 per cent, while many countries experienced much steeper hikes ranging from 20 per cent to nearly 100 per cent due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The government maintains that international market conditions and rising crude oil import costs have made the latest adjustment necessary. However, opposition parties and several state leaders continue to argue that the decision will place additional strain on households already dealing with inflation and rising living expenses.