Anbumani demands immediate rollback of fuel price hike

CHENNAI: PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday called on oil marketing companies to immediately withdraw the recent hike in petrol, diesel and natural gas prices.The demand comes after oil firms increased fuel rates by about Rs 3 per litre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by about Rs 2 per kg, citing a surge in global crude prices triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Following the revision, fuel prices in Chennai have reached new heights. Petrol price has increased to Rs 103.90 per litre, while diesel Rs 95.47 per litre and natural gas (CNG) to Rs 91.50 per kg.In a statement, Anbumani stated that while the geopolitical situation is complex, the resulting burden on the Indian public is "unacceptable." Anbumani argued that the govt and oil companies should absorb these temporary losses rather than passing the burden to the public, who are already grappling with high fuel taxes.Pointing out that fuel hikes will have a "cascading effect" on the economy, Anbumani warned that the increase in transport costs would inevitably lead to a rise in the prices of essential commodities, including vegetables and food grains. "This price hike will cause a severe crisis in the lives of the poor and middle-class people," he said.The Union govt and oil companies must respect the expectations of the people and provide relief by rolling back these prices immediately, he said.He urged the govt to use strategic reserves or adjust excise duties to stabilise the market until the conflict subsides and global supply routes are reopened.