Every vote for BJP is a vote for expensive petrol & diesel: Harpal Singh Cheema

PT News Jalandhar, May 25

PT News

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders including Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, attacked the BJP-led Central Government over the repeated hike in petrol and diesel prices over the last 10 days.

They said petrol and diesel have become nearly Rs.8 per litre costlier after four consecutive hikes, pushing farmers, transporters, traders and middle-class families into deeper financial distress. They revealed that while inflation continues to rise, the Modi Government is burdening ordinary people to benefit big corporate houses. The leaders said the diesel price hike during the paddy sowing season will directly hit farmers and further increase the cost of transportation and essential commodities across the country.

On this, addressing a press conference, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Centre’s continuous increase in petrol and diesel prices over the past few days has exposed the BJP Government’s inability to control inflation and protect people from economic hardship.” He continued, “The repeated hikes in fuel prices between May 15 and May 25 have created an alarming situation across the country. Petrol prices were increased by Rs.3.29 per litre on May 15, followed by another increase of Rs.0.96 on May 19, Rs.0.94 on May 23 and a further steep hike of Rs.2.87 per litre on May 25. In just ten days, petrol prices have been increased by ?8.06 per litre. This clearly shows the anti-people mindset of the BJP Government, which is continuously squeezing the common man instead of providing relief.”

Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Diesel prices were increased by Rs.3.11 per litre on May 15, followed by hikes of Rs.0.94 on May 19, Rs.0.95 on May 23 and another increase of Rs.2.80 per litre on May 25. Diesel prices have also risen by nearly Rs.8 per litre within ten days. Farmers, transporters, labourers and traders are being crushed under this manufactured fuel price burden.”