Fuel prices are sky high and price with certain additives crossed an unprecedented Rs.100 mark in some cities, of MP, forcing many petrol pumps to shut down as their old analogue fuel dispensing machines were not designed to show a three-digit figure. Its neighbour Maharashtra would soon knock the three-digit figures and states like AP, TS, Karnataka etc could soon follow Maharashtra in joining the Rs 100/ per litre petrol club.
In Hyderabad, I notice many families whose breadwinners are working in the private sector have faced salary cuts due to Covid19, and the continuous rise in petrol and LPG prices is, in turn, making other basic commodities beyond the reach of salaried class and particularly the poor. Since the opposition is weak, it doesn’t mean the ruling party can take people for granted while selectively making Assam Govt cut down the petrol prices, the reason everyone knows, ELECTIONS. While in opposition as CM of Gujarat our Hon’ble PM slammed the then PM, MMS, several times for frequently increasing the fuel prices, and how Mrs Smrithi Irani used to behave those days for this very reason, many would remember I hope.
The stance of the BJP on fuel prices has been quite paradoxical. While it demanded higher fuel subsidies when it was in opposition to protect consumers from higher global fuel prices when the crude oil price was as high as $110 US, a barrel. On May 16th 2014 when NDA came to power the price of petrol in Delhi was Rs 71.41 per litre, when the global price for crude oil was US $106 a barrel, to this, crude oil now stands at around US$55 a barrel, which is almost half of the price of 2014.
As BJP is in power in many states, what’s stopping it from becoming a trailblazer and also a role model for non-BJP states? Our great FM washed off her hands on this issue of rising fuel prices is befuddling While it’s strange that our PM was blaming UPA after 7 years of being in power, for this unprecedented hike, and we have great people who only thump the desks, in support of it. Please note that during the run-up to the elections, how was the government capable of reigning the prices despite a rise in crude oil prices?
Faulty and unfair system of taxation by centre & states is the cause of the abnormal rise in fuel prices. The Centre has gradually increased the taxes on fuel and the fluctuations in crude oil prices compel oil companies to increase fuel prices. It is ironic that while the government is determined to place an intolerable burden on the poor, it is reluctant to tax profits earned by the super-rich. Undoubtedly oil is a cash cow for the government. Finally, Agriculture is a state subject. So why has the centre arrogated states power and got itself mired in an intractable controversy? When will the BJP walk the talk?
