Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticised the central government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately withdraw the hike.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said fuel prices had been increased several times since the BJP came to power. “We had already said that fuel prices would rise after the elections,” he remarked.
He said the burden of the hike would fall heavily on common people, particularly farmers, labourers and poor families. According to him, the increase in fuel prices would also lead to a rise in the prices of essential commodities.
Referring to cooking gas prices, the Chief Minister said the cost of an LPG cylinder was around ₹413 when the BJP assumed power at the Centre and has now crossed ₹1,000. He said the continued rise in fuel and LPG prices has made life more difficult for ordinary citizens.
“There is no justification for increasing fuel prices under the current circumstances. The central government should immediately roll back the decision,” he demanded.
