CHANDIGARH, May 16 — Recent upward revisions in petroleum and commercial gas rates have prompted calls for an immediate rollback, as critics warn of a growing economic burden on farmers and local traders.
The hike, which includes a ₹943 increase for commercial LPG cylinders alongside higher rates for petrol, diesel, and CNG, was characterized by Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora as a decision that disproportionately impacts small-scale enterprises and agricultural production.
“The BJP Government has once again burdened common people, farmers and small businesses with rising fuel prices and inflation,” Arora asserted during a media briefing on Friday. “The entire country is witnessing how people are suffering under inflation despite the tall promises made by PM Modi before coming to power 12 years ago.”
According to the reordered details of the financial impact, the timing of the price adjustments closely followed major political events. Arora maintained that public welfare promises are often set aside once electoral processes conclude, leading to post-election financial adjustments that favor select corporate entities.
“The BJP talks about public welfare during elections, but after winning votes it starts looting the hard-earned money of the people,” Arora declared. “These price hikes are being done only to benefit a few selected corporate houses close to the ruling party.”
The minister expressed specific concern for the farming community, noting that the increased cost of diesel coincides with the intensive irrigation requirements of the paddy sowing season. He stated that the heightened input costs would directly elevate the financial pressure on cultivators already managing tight margins.
Addressing historical context, Arora noted that public reactions to fuel price changes have shifted over the past decade, suggesting that prolonged exposure to inflation has left citizens exhausted. He concluded by cautioning that a failure to address these rising costs could result in noticeable political shifts.
“If inflation continues to suffocate the common people, public anger could spill onto the streets, leading to major political consequences for the BJP Government,” Arora maintained.
