‘Slow Poison for Citizens’: Arvind Kejriwal Slams Government Over Fuel Price Hike

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday sharply criticised the Centre over rising fuel prices and reports of fuel shortages in parts of the country, accusing the government of placing an increasing financial burden on citizens amid inflation concerns.

His remarks came after petrol and diesel prices were reportedly revised upward again, marking the third hike in roughly two weeks. According to Kejriwal, fuel prices have increased by nearly Rs 4 to Rs 5 per litre during this period, while domestic cooking gas cylinder prices have also risen significantly.

Kejriwal Targets Centre Over Price Rise

In a video message shared on social media, Kejriwal alleged that repeated fuel price hikes were severely impacting ordinary households struggling with rising expenses.

He claimed that people across the country were worried about further increases in petrol and diesel rates and said uncertainty surrounding fuel costs was adding pressure on family budgets.

The AAP leader also alleged that rumours regarding petrol prices potentially touching Rs 150 per litre were creating anxiety among consumers.

Raises Concerns Over Fuel Availability

Apart from the price rise issue, Kejriwal also referred to reports of fuel shortages in some states, claiming that long queues had formed outside petrol pumps in areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

According to him, the situation was creating additional stress for citizens already dealing with higher fuel and cooking gas prices.

Questions Centre Over Oil Imports

Kejriwal further questioned why India was allegedly not purchasing cheaper oil and gas supplies from Russia and Iran despite claims that both countries were willing to offer fuel at lower prices.

He argued that importing lower-cost fuel could provide relief to consumers and asked why such options were not being explored more aggressively.

The AAP chief also appealed to citizens to share their views online about whether India should import cheaper fuel from the two countries to reduce domestic fuel prices.

The Centre has not yet officially responded to Kejriwal’s latest remarks.