New Delhi, May 25 (H.S.): Saurabh Bharadwaj, Delhi unit president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Monday criticised the Central Government over the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices. He alleged that the government had deliberately refrained from raising fuel prices during the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, but resumed price hikes immediately after the elections concluded.

Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that AAP had been warning from the very beginning that the government would gradually increase petrol and diesel prices. According to him, fuel prices were temporarily kept unchanged due to the elections, but the financial burden is now once again being imposed on the public.

The AAP leader further claimed that India has the option of purchasing cheaper crude oil from Iran and Russia, but is refraining from doing so under pressure from the United States. He said this is resulting in an additional economic burden on Indian citizens.

He also alleged that every major decision is currently being taken while “looking towards America and Donald Trump.” He asserted that the government should take decisions in the interest of the people rather than under external pressure.

Notably, petrol and diesel prices were increased once again on Monday. Petrol prices were raised by ₹2.61 per litre, while diesel prices increased by ₹2.71 per litre. This marks the fourth fuel price hike within the last 10 days.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar