Punjab: AAP, Cong, SAD slam Centre over fresh fuel price hike

The BJP had assured that PM Modis global image and friendships would strengthen Indias economy, which has not happened, Bajwa said in a post on X.The truth is that every economic shock is now being passed directly onto the common citizen, he said.Shiromani Akai Dal SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also criticised the hike, noting that it was the fourth increase in petrol and diesel prices in just 10 days.This is a crippling blow to the common man already battling skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.

Political parties in Punjab on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre over the fresh hike in fuel prices, calling it a crippling blow to ordinary citizens already grappling with rising prices of essential commodities.

Petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 2.61-2.71 per litre on Monday, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks as state-owned fuel retailers continued passing on rising international oil prices to consumers.

With the latest revision, cumulative increases in petrol and diesel prices have nearly touched Rs 7.5 per litre since fuel price revisions resumed on May 15 after a prolonged freeze, raising concerns over inflationary pressures and higher transportation costs across the economy.

According to industry sources, petrol prices rose by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre.

Reacting to the hike, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the Centre had given another ''shock'' to common people.

''The BJP Government seems to have zero concern for struggling households. While many countries are providing relief and shielding citizens from global fuel shocks, people in India are being left to fend for themselves. Is this the 'Amrit Kaal' promised to the people?'' Cheema asked.

He accused the BJP-led Centre of failing in economic management.

''Rupee inching towards 100, petrol prices crossing Rs 100, gold duty hiked to 15 per cent --” and to top it all, Government of India has committed to importing US goods that could make Indian agriculture uncompetitive and severely hit farmers' incomes,'' Cheema said.

''Rising prices, weakening currency, policy uncertainty, and pressure on farmers are pushing the economy into deep distress. The economy is in tatters,'' he alleged.

Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa too condemned fuel price hike.

''Fuel prices hiked again, the rupee keeps weakening against the dollar, and the cost of living is becoming unbearable for ordinary Indians,'' he said.

After petrol breaching the Rs 100 per litre mark, the rupee may soon crash to Rs 100 per dollar while the Modi government continues to celebrate 'strong diplomacy' and 'economic success. The BJP had assured that PM Modi's global image and friendships would strengthen India's economy, which has not happened, Bajwa said in a post on X.

''The truth is that every economic shock is now being passed directly onto the common citizen,'' he said.

Shiromani Akai Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal also criticised the hike, noting that it was the fourth increase in petrol and diesel prices in just 10 days.

''This is a crippling blow to the common man already battling skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. It will push the agriculture sector into recession, devastate the middle class, and inflict untold misery on the poor,'' Badal said in a post on X.

The SAD chief said the Centre must immediately slash GST and other taxes on fuel and essential items to provide relief from inflation.