Intro
Minister M.B. Patil criticised the Centre’s fuel pricing policy, alleging economic burden on common citizens.
Vijayapura
Minister M.B. Patil criticised the Union Government’s fuel pricing and foreign policy, alleging that rising petrol and diesel prices have weakened India’s economic stability and increased the burden on citizens.
Patil said India had earlier maintained strong economic stability in crude oil procurement and fuel pricing during the tenure of former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Jawaharlal Nehru. He claimed those governments built stable international relations that helped manage the energy sector effectively.
He alleged that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, fuel pricing policies have not provided relief to the public despite fluctuations in global crude oil rates. He also pointed out that even when international crude oil prices dropped significantly, petrol prices in India remained high.
Patil questioned the silence on fuel price hikes, recalling earlier statements made by Narendra Modi when he was Gujarat Chief Minister, where he had strongly criticised currency depreciation and rising fuel costs.
The minister stated that petrol prices in India have remained between ₹100 and ₹105 per litre despite variations in global crude oil prices. He also alleged that the Centre collected massive revenues through fuel taxes and questioned the utilisation of nearly ₹45–50 lakh crore generated during this period.
He further referred to India’s past oil trade relations with Iran, stating that earlier partnerships had benefited the country’s energy sector.
Patil’s remarks come amid ongoing political debate over fuel pricing, taxation policies, and the Centre’s economic strategy, with opposition leaders continuing to question the impact on common citizens.