Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshavardhan Sapkal has strongly criticized the central government for what he called "unjust loot through excessive fuel taxation." Addressing a press conference, Sapkal demanded that the government reduce petrol prices to ₹51 per litre and diesel to ₹41, citing the sharp drop in international crude oil prices.
"While crude oil is priced at just $65 per barrel in the global market, Indian citizens are forced to pay around ₹109 for petrol and ₹93 for diesel. This is nothing but exploitation through an unjust 'Jizya' tax by the BJP-led government," Sapkal said.
He pointed out that during the UPA regime under Dr. Manmohan Singh, when crude prices had soared to $145 per barrel, petrol was sold at ₹70 per litre and diesel at ₹45. In contrast, despite lower global prices today, fuel costs remain exorbitant due to increased excise duties and various cesses. "The excise tax on petrol has increased from ₹9.56 to ₹32, and the road infrastructure cess has risen from ₹1 to 18%," he said.
Sapkal also raised questions about the central government's transparency, demanding a white paper on the taxes levied on fuel. "Why is the public not benefiting from the cheaper crude that India is buying from Russia at a 30% discount? Instead, private companies like Reliance and Nayara are profiting by exporting refined fuel to Europe," he alleged.
He further criticized the recent ₹50 hike in LPG cylinder prices, calling it another blow to the common people. "This is systematic looting of the people," he said, urging the government to roll back the hikes.
Taking a dig at celebrities and public figures, Sapkal questioned their silence. “Where are those who tweeted outrage when petrol prices went up by ₹2 during the UPA era? Why are Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Baba Ramdev silent now, when petrol is over ₹109?” he asked.
