Bengaluru, March 28: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the central government of using fuel price adjustments as an electoral tactic. He stated that petrol and diesel prices are likely to increase immediately after the elections.
Speaking to the media at the KPCC office and later at his residence, Shivakumar remarked, “As soon as the elections conclude, the central government will hike petrol and diesel prices again. They have done this before. This is all part of their electoral strategy.”
He highlighted that the central government is collecting an additional ₹1,000 crores daily in taxes. “Where is this money going? When fuel prices previously rose, we initiated the ‘100 Not Out’ campaign. Now, they are conducting a trial run to benefit their preferred companies,” he added.
Shivakumar referenced the global rise in crude oil prices but criticized the central government for failing to ensure adequate supply of gas cylinders to consumers in the state.
He questioned, “Two ships passed through the Hormuz Strait and arrived in the country. Couldn’t one of them have been sent to the south, specifically Karnataka and Tamil Nadu? Why did they go to Gujarat? Elections are currently underway in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Since they have no influence in the southern states, they are treating South India with disdain.”
Further criticizing the central government’s messaging regarding fuel prices, he noted, “Previously, there were hoardings at petrol pumps showing a Muslim woman thanking the government for gas availability. Why have all those been removed? The central government is continuously draining consumers’ pockets.”
Shivakumar raised concerns about the persistent rise in petrol and diesel prices since May 26, 2014, when petrol was priced at ₹71 and diesel at ₹56. “Now, prices have soared to ₹103. Why were prices so high even when crude oil prices were low?” he questioned.
When asked about the recent reduction in special additional excise duty on fuel by the central government, he stated, “The Indian government is hurting us. They have only lowered prices for the elections. The Naira company has increased fuel prices.”
Regarding whether the state government would reduce fuel prices, Shivakumar replied, “We will discuss this later.”
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