Congress leaders on Tuesday intensified their attack on the Centre over the continued rise in fuel prices and inflation, accusing the government of burdening ordinary citizens while oil companies continue to post strong profits.
Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Manish Tewari questioned the government’s handling of the economy, alleging that soaring petrol, diesel and CNG prices were crushing the common man.
“It is ironic that oil marketing companies are making exponential profits while the common man is being absolutely crushed,” Tewari said. He pointed out that petrol prices have crossed Rs 100 per litre in several cities, while diesel rates are nearing Rs 90 per litre. He also criticised the increase in CNG prices, asking why the government was “crushing the common man.”
Referring to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks on challenges related to fuel, fertiliser and foreign exchange, Tewari alleged that the government had failed to take timely corrective measures during its tenure. He further claimed that pressure on the rupee was mounting due to foreign investment outflows, remarking, “Now, with whose age is the rupee competing?”
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also criticised the Narendra Modi-led government, accusing it of “robbing the common man” through repeated hikes in fuel prices.
“The prices of petrol and diesel have increased by Rs 7.50 in 10 days, while CNG prices have risen by Rs 10-11 in the same period. The government is looting the common man while benefiting companies and its associates,” Tiwari alleged, warning that rising inflation would affect every section of society.
The remarks come amid a sharp increase in fuel prices across the country. In Delhi, petrol prices crossed the Rs 100 mark, reaching Rs 102.12 per litre after a Rs 2.61 hike, while diesel rose by Rs 2.71 to Rs 95.20 per litre. CNG prices in the national capital also climbed to Rs 83.09 per kg following the latest revision.
The Centre, however, defended its position, stating that it had sacrificed nearly Rs 14,000 crore in tax revenue after reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel to cushion consumers from rising global crude oil prices. According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry, the government cut central excise duty by Rs 10 per litre on both petrol and diesel on March 27 in response to escalating crude prices triggered by tensions in West Asia.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to help the country navigate economic pressures arising from geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Addressing a gathering in Gujarat, Modi said India could not remain unaffected by global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability and the conflict in West Asia, which he described as “one of the major crises of this decade.”
The Prime Minister said the government was working to minimise disruptions to citizens’ lives despite mounting global challenges.
(With inputs from ANI)