Opposition Slams Center Over Fuel Price Hike, Accuses Government of “Looting” Citizens

New Delhi (IANS): Opposition leaders strongly criticized the Central government on Tuesday following a fresh hike in petrol and diesel prices. Critics accused the administration of “looting” the public through repeated price revisions while citizens already battle rising inflation.

The political backlash intensified after state-run oil marketing companies raised fuel prices for the second time in less than a week. The revisions follow a sharp spike in international crude oil rates, triggered by escalating tensions in the Gulf region and growing concerns over global supply chain disruptions. Following the latest round of hikes, petrol prices jumped by 86 paise per litre, while diesel costs rose by 83 paise per litre.

Opposition Alleges a “Slow-Poison” Strategy on Inflation

Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari accused the government of actively misleading citizens while systematically driving up their daily living costs.

“The Prime Minister appeals to everyone not to travel abroad, but himself goes to little-known countries to receive an award… This is just a trailer. Earlier, they increased [prices] by ₹3; now they have increased more, and they will continue to do this… This is being done to loot the citizens,” Tiwari told IANS.

Fellow Congress leader Husain Dalwai alleged that the government is purposely spacing out the price increases to suppress immediate public outrage. “They are gradually raising prices every day. Prices will be increased ‘step by step’… They will administer a slow-acting injection to the people,” Dalwai remarked.

Supply Chain Realities and Calls for GST Integration

Offering a systemic perspective, Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) highlighted how heavily India relies on the volatile Gulf region for its energy security.

“Because of the current situation in the Gulf, there are many problems arising in India. The first issue is that our gas supplies—around 60 percent of which come through the Strait of Hormuz—are being affected,” Patra explained.

Patra noted that cumulative fuel prices have surged by ₹3.5 to ₹4 in recent days, dealing a heavy blow to household budgets. To alleviate consumer distress, he revealed that he recently wrote to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the Center to finally bring petroleum products under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

Adding to the wave of criticism, Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu stated that both federal and state leadership have completely failed to shield families from economic pressure. “The government is trying to mislead people. People are standing in queues for everything—oil, gas, or fertilizers. Every section of society is suffering,” Lallu said.