Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday criticised the Centre over its recent fuel-related announcement, alleging that the timing of the move was politically motivated and linked to upcoming assembly elections.
In a post on X, Ramesh said that past trends show that reductions in global crude oil prices have not consistently translated into lower fuel prices for consumers in India. “When global crude oil prices fell as they did on seven different occasions in the past 12 years, consumer prices in India were not reduced,” he said.
Questioning the intent behind the latest decision, he added, “Today’s announcement was because of assembly elections. Wait till April 30th.
In view of the West Asia crisis, the government today reduced central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption by Rs 10 per litre each, asserting that the move will provide protection to consumers from a rise in prices. Further, duties were also imposed on exports of diesel at Rs 21.5 per litre and on ATF at Rs 29.5 per litre.
The remarks come amid a broader political debate over fuel pricing, with opposition parties accusing the government of not passing on the full benefits of lower international crude prices to consumers, while highlighting instances when taxes were increased instead.
Fuel prices in India are influenced by a combination of global crude oil rates, exchange rates, and central and state taxes. While the government has defended its pricing decisions as necessary for fiscal management and stability, critics have often argued that tax adjustments have kept retail prices elevated even during periods of falling crude prices.
Ramesh’s comments are the latest in a series of opposition reactions questioning the government’s fuel pricing strategy, particularly in the context of politically sensitive periods such as elections.