Ludhiana, May 26
Cornering the Modi government over the repeated hikes in fuel prices, former President of the District Congress Committee, Ludhiana (Urban) and former Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan, said, “The cumulative increase of nearly ₹7.5 per litre through four successive hikes within just 10 days has left people across the country deeply shocked, making it increasingly difficult for families to manage their household expenses.”
In a strongly worded statement issued today, Dewan termed it “deeply ironical” that fuel prices continue to climb at short, relentless intervals even as state run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) rake in unprecedented profits. He underscored that OMCs registered a staggering ₹77,280.65 crore cumulative profit in FY 2025 26 — a near 130 per cent surge over the previous year — yet consumers are being forced to shoulder repeated hikes in petrol and diesel. “Such super profits make the government’s pricing policy indefensible,” Dewan asserted, adding that the burden on ordinary households and small businesses is being aggravated by unjustified increases imposed every few days.
Accusing the Modi government of putting corporate profits above public welfare, Dewan said it was outrageous that fuel prices continue to climb even when global crude oil prices decline. “When crude falls, petrol and diesel should follow suit but under this government, it’s a different story altogether,” Dewan charged. He argued that the Centre’s opaque pricing mechanism has become a tool to shield oil companies while ordinary citizens are left to suffer.
Calling for transparent pricing and accountability, Dewan demanded that the government immediately slash petrol and diesel rates to ease the crushing burden on households, commuters and small businesses. “Relief cannot wait. The people deserve fairness, not exploitation,” he declared.
