Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien on Friday criticized the BJP-led Central government over the hike in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that they “loot” people’s votes first and “then kick you where it hurts”.
In a post on
Petrol and diesel prices also rose $3 per liter on Friday. This is the first increase in prices in more than four years, amid increasing losses for fuel retailers due to the rise in global crude oil prices.
Petrol and Diesel Prices Live Updates: Check fuel prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai today
“First they steal your voice, then they kick you where it hurts. It’s pathetically predictable,” O’Brien said.
The fuel price hike comes 16 days after the conclusion of assembly elections in the states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Fuel prices remained unchanged during the voting period despite the sharp rise in global oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia.
O’Brien also said: “Diesel and petrol prices have gone up. Will the Bengal government reduce VAT on petrol and diesel now that there is a government controlled Delhi and it does not need to worry about the Center blocking money?”
Fuel prices vary across states due to differences in value added tax.
