New Delhi (India), March 17: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday sharply criticized the Modi government for not reducing the prices of petrol and diesel despite a continuous decline in crude oil prices. In a post on social media platform X, Kharge accused the government of exploiting the public, highlighting that while crude oil prices have fallen by 34% since May 2014, fuel prices remain unchanged.
Kharge wrote, “The price of crude oil has been continuously falling, but petrol and diesel prices have not been reduced… The Modi government is robbing the public fearlessly!! Modi Ji only tells his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to the public through long one-sided podcasts… By engaging in the oil game, they make us cry tears of inflation! Crude oil prices have fallen by 34% since May 2014. Tax collection game of Rs 36 lakh crores in 10 years! When will the price of petrol and diesel be reduced? For how long will BJP keep collecting ransom from the public?”
Kharge’s comments come amidst ongoing debate over high fuel prices in India, despite a drop in global crude oil prices. The Congress party has consistently raised concerns over fuel price hikes and the government’s handling of inflation.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, praised the passage of the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha, claiming that it will strengthen India’s energy sector by promoting domestic oil production and ensuring policy stability. Puri mentioned that the government had opened up areas previously designated as “No Go” for oil exploration, encouraging greater domestic crude production and signaling positive growth for investors. He also highlighted that 76% of all prospecting and exploration activities are now being conducted in these newly opened areas.
On March 12, the Lok Sabha passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024, which amends the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948. The bill replaces the mining lease system with a petroleum lease system, enabling the government to better regulate the exploration and extraction of natural gas and petroleum. The amendments are designed to streamline the leasing process and improve domestic oil production. The bill also introduces harsher penalties for violations, including fines of up to Rs 25 lakh.