CHENNAI: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, on Friday, sharply criticised the `3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices by the union government’s public sector oil companies, describing it as unacceptable and burdensome for poor, ordinary and middle-class people. He also urged the centre to withdraw the fuel price hike immediately.
In a statement, the CM said the hike, which came immediately after the conclusion of the Assembly elections in four states and UT, is unacceptable. Vijay also pointed out that when crude oil prices fall in the international market, oil companies do not reduce petrol and diesel prices proportionately. Instead, they retain the profits for themselves.
The CM further said the hike in fuel prices will severely affect the monthly expenditure of poor, ordinary and middle-class people who use two-wheelers and small vehicles. Moreover, those who have taken bank loans to operate vehicles for hire will face an increased financial burden, adversely affecting their economic condition.
Vijay also pointed out that fares for hired vehicles may increase due to rising petroleum product prices. “This, in turn, will lead to a rise in the prices of essential commodities and weaken the purchasing power of poor and ordinary people,” he added.
Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, in a separate statement, said the hike in the prices of domestic LPG cylinders, commercial gas cylinders, petrol and diesel will affect the general public severely and urged the central government to take steps to reduce the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas to ease the burden on the people.
Palaniswami said that since the newly-formed TVK government is said to be functioning on the principle of bringing change, the state government should reduce the sales tax levied on petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders.
Leaders of various political parties, including the PMK, CPM and others, also strongly opposed the hike in petrol, diesel and natural gas prices announced by the centre.
CPM state secretary P Shanmugam, in a post on X, stated that the overnight fuel price hike by the BJP-led union government would create a chain reaction in the economy and increase the prices of essential goods. He urged the centre to provide subsidies for petrol and diesel and immediately withdraw the hike.