Fuel price hike will severely impact lives of poor, working-class families: Mayawati

Petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15 for the first time in more than four years.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said that the fuel price hike would impact the lives of millions severely. She further called on the government to take measures to curb inflation.

In a post on X, the former chief minister also expressed concern over the massive loss of lives and property in recent storms in Uttar Pradesh and urged the state government to assist the affected families with utmost generosity.

"Amidst the relentless rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly petroleum products, the central government's decision to hike the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre will severely impact the lives of millions of poor and working-class families, the agricultural sector, and the middle class alike," Mayawati said.

These families would bear the direct brunt of the fuel price rise and hence, the government must take necessary and meaningful steps to curb such steps, she said.

Petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre on Friday for the first time in more than four years, as surging global crude prices following the Iran war forced state-run fuel retailers to pass on part of their mounting losses after months of holding rates steady through key state elections.

Mayawati further said, "In light of the massive devastation to life and property caused by severe storms across several parts of Uttar Pradesh recently, the state government should come forward with utmost generosity to extend every possible assistance to the affected individuals and families, enabling them to piece together their shattered lives and make a fresh start." At least 111 people were killed and 72 injured after a strong storm and heavy rain pounded several districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, uprooting trees and damaging houses, according to official data.