Fuel price hike: BJD and Congress demand rollback, urge petrol and diesel under GST in Odisha

Odisha opposition parties BJD and Congress have demanded an immediate rollback of the fuel price hike, alleging the BJP has changed its stance on bringing petrol and diesel under GST. The BJP said global crude prices are an international issue and accused rivals of seeking political advantage. The opposition also cited VAT and refinery pricing concerns.

The BJD and Congress on Friday called for an immediate rollback of the latest fuel price hike. The opposition parties accused the ruling BJP of using different standards on GST for petrol and diesel. The BJP, however, said the price pressure was linked to global factors. The party also alleged the protests were aimed at gaining political advantage.

BJP leaders described the issue as an international problem. The party claimed the situation was not created in India. The BJP also accused opposition parties of trying to take political mileage from the current conditions. The exchange came as fuel prices rose and protests began in Bhubaneswar.

Fuel price hike and GST debate

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the BJP had earlier backed bringing petrol and diesel under GST. Lenin Mohanty said the BJP took that position while in opposition in the state. Lenin Mohanty claimed the BJP changed its stand after coming to power. Lenin Mohanty said the BJP should now honour earlier commitments and withdraw VAT.

In its statement, the BJD argued that consumer relief was missing even earlier. The BJD said fuel prices were not reduced when crude fell below USD 60 per barrel. The party alleged oil firms earned large profits during that period. The BJD further claimed fuel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre as crude rose.

Fuel price hike protests in Bhubaneswar

Mahila Congress activists marched from the party’s state headquarters to a fuel station. The protest took place in the Unit-2 area of Bhubaneswar. The protesters demanded a rollback in petrol, diesel, commercial LPG and CNG prices. Women activists also brought two-wheelers without petrol to show the burden of costs.

District Mahila Congress president Shriya Mohanty claimed the hike showed the BJP government’s true nature. Shriya Mohanty referred to prices during the Manmohan Singh government in 2014. Shriya Mohanty claimed diesel was sold at Rs 55 per litre then. Shriya Mohanty also claimed petrol was sold at Rs 70 per litre.

Fuel price hike questions on Russia imports

Ipsita Sahu, president of the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, raised questions about imports. Ipsita Sahu said the Centre should explain why cheaper fuel imports from Russia were being avoided. Ipsita Sahu asked what pressure was behind that approach. The remarks added another angle to the political dispute over prices.

Responding to the criticism, state Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan urged unity. Prithiviraj Harichandan said, "under the prevailing circumstances, all should join hands and fight together.\" Prithiviraj Harichandan also said, \"The people are understanding the problem, but some parties are misleading the masses.\" The debate continued as both sides traded charges over the fuel price hike.

With inputs from PTI