Raises Prices of Everything, Now Preaches Saving

The central government increasing the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG, and commercial gas cylinders immediately after elections is nothing but a betrayal of voters. During election campaigns, the government claimed it was “working for the people,” but after winning, it has once again started putting its hand into the pockets of ordinary citizens. This has now become a political pattern. On every litre of petrol and diesel, the central and state governments together collect nearly Rs 45 as tax. In the international market, crude oil prices have remained mostly between 60 and 70 dollars over the last three years. Even when global prices have not risen sharply, fuel prices in India continue to soar. The real question is: who is benefiting from this? Oil companies and the central government.

By purchasing crude oil cheaply from Russia, oil marketing companies earned a net profit of Rs 34,066 crore during April–September 2025 alone. Instead of using these profits to reduce the burden on people during this difficult period, the government is allowing further price hikes to protect corporate profits. This is nothing but a direct attack on the poor and the middle class. Prices of essential commodities are already rising sharply. Fertilizer prices have increased, pushing farmers into crisis. Small industries, petty traders, and gig workers are all facing huge increases in travel and operational expenses. Gig workers recently went on a five-hour strike to express their anger. But does the government care about their suffering? No.

The BJP government is also exploiting states through cesses and surcharges. A cess is a tax collected by the central government but not shared with the states. Because of this, states lose a major share of revenue that rightfully belongs to them. More importantly, non-BJP ruled states are facing greater discrimination. States like Karnataka reportedly receive only 42 paise back for every rupee paid in central taxes. On the other hand, states like Bihar reportedly receive up to Rs 7 in return for every rupee contributed. If this is not discrimination, what is? The Telugu Desam Party government in Andhra Pradesh is also failing to secure adequate funds for the state, despite making appeals to the Centre, organizing campaigns, and conducting cycle tours. However, people must recognize that the main responsibility lies with the central government.

The central government has also remained silent over the tensions created by the deployment of American warships near the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, it indirectly supports Israel and behaves like an ally of the United States. At the same time, India imports nearly 88 percent of its petroleum needs. During the last 11 years, the BJP government has failed to make major progress either in discovering new petroleum reserves or in widely promoting electric vehicles. Instead of focusing on long-term solutions, it continues to depend on temporary measures, allowing the crisis to deepen.

Every citizen should now ask: where is every extra rupee collected through taxes going? Poor families are struggling to survive, unemployed youth are desperately searching for jobs, and small traders are collapsing under rising daily expenses. Yet the government continues to remain silent. The solution appears simple. The huge profits earned by oil companies from the people over the years should be placed into a reserve fund and used during times of crisis to provide relief to citizens. Cesses and surcharges should be reduced. States must receive their rightful share of taxes without discrimination. The central government should treat all states equally, instead of following biased policies. Otherwise, when elections come again, people will remember all of this. Public anger will not disappear easily. This is not just a problem of fuel prices — it reflects the true face of the government in a democracy.