'Suffering was delivered instantly': TMC slams hike in petrol, diesel prices

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday criticised the BJP government for hiking petrol and diesel prices, alleging that they first "looted" people's votes and then "they kick you where it hurts".

Taking to social media platform X, Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien asked whether the newly elected BJP government in West Bengal would now reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel since the party is also in power at the Centre and does not need not worry about funds being blocked.

"First they loot your vote, then they kick you where it hurts. Pathetically predictable," O'Brien said.

"Diesel and petrol prices hiked. Will Bengal Govt reduce VAT on petrol & diesel now that there's a Delhi-controlled government which doesn't have to worry about funds being blocked by Centre?" He added.

The official account of the TMC also took a dig at the government, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off on a "lavish trip", leaving his citizens to bear the brunt of soaring prices.

"The fresh hike in petrol and diesel prices comes barely days after the so-called “historic mandate” handed to the double-engine government. People voted and in return, SUFFERING WAS DELIVERED INSTANTLY," the post said.

The jibe comes as PM Modi embarked on a six-day tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy to enhance bilateral ties amid the ongoing geopolitical upheaval.

Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday. Additionally, the price of CNG was increased by Rs 2 per kg.

This is the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices.

The fuel price hike comes 16 days after assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Fuel prices had remained unchanged through the polling period despite a sharp rise in international oil prices triggered by the West Asia conflict.