‘Will hit poor, middle class’: CM Vijay slams fuel price hike, calls timing after polls unacceptable
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday demanded that the Centre immediately withdraw the Rs 3 increase in petrol and diesel prices, warning that the hike would severely impact poor and middle-class families.
In a strongly worded statement, Vijay accused oil companies of failing to reduce fuel prices when international crude oil rates fall, while continuing to make large profits.
“This hike is unacceptable” He said.
“When the price of crude oil in the international market falls, the oil companies do not reduce the prices of petrol and diesel accordingly. Instead, they only take the profit,” Vijay said.
He further criticised the timing of the hike, noting that it came after Assembly elections in five states.
“This increase in the prices of petroleum products after the Assembly elections in five states is unacceptable,” he added.
Vijay highlights impact on common people
Vijay said the fuel price rise would directly affect ordinary citizens, especially two-wheeler users and middle-class households already struggling with rising expenses.
According to him, cab drivers repaying vehicle loans would also face additional financial pressure due to increased fuel costs.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister further warned that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) could suffer because of rising production and transport expenses.
“MSMEs are facing a slowdown in the market and exports due to the increase in the cost of production of their products due to the increase in the price of petroleum products,” Vijay stated.
Defending the fuel price increase, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said rising crude oil import costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz had forced the hike.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and recent geopolitical tensions in the region have contributed to volatility in global crude oil prices.