Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], May 23 (ANI): Launching a sharp attack on the BJP government here, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday demanded an immediate reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel and road cess to shield citizens from 'back-breaking inflation'.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister asserted that the CM Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP government was capitalising on the misery of ordinary citizens, pointing out that rising fuel prices automatically boost the state's windfall revenue through VAT collections.

https://x.com/ashokgehlot51/status/2058092693180620990

Taking to X, 'The Rajasthan government is benefiting from the rising prices of petrol-diesel; the BJP government should reduce its VAT to provide relief to the common people. The continuous increase in petrol-diesel prices is putting a heavy burden on the pockets of the common people. Due to the rise in freight costs, every daily commodity has become expensive, making life extremely difficult for the poor and middle class. The direct and biggest loss from the rising diesel prices is being suffered by our food providers, the farmers, which has increased their agricultural costs', he said.

'When petrol-diesel prices rise, the state government's VAT automatically increases, giving the government additional revenue. While in opposition, the BJP continuously raised questions about VAT, but even today in Rajasthan, VAT is much higher compared to neighbouring states Haryana and Gujarat. The state government should think in the interest of the common people by forgoing its profits', he said.

'My demand from Chief Minister Shri @BhajanlalBjp is that the state government immediately reduce VAT and road cess, so that the people of the state can get some relief from this back-breaking inflation', he said.

Petrol and diesel prices were increased again across major metropolitan cities on Saturday, marking the third fuel price hike in less than 10 days amid continuing volatility in global energy markets.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Saturday launched a strong criticism of the Central government over the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices, accusing it of worsening inflation and putting additional financial pressure on the public.

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre, Tiwari claimed that fuel prices have been raised three times within the last 10 days, leading to a total increase of 5 per litre.

Taking on X, 'Another Blow to the People's Pockets! Petrol and diesel prices hiked for the third time in 10 days. 3 + 1 + 1 = a shocking total increase of 5 per liter. And just the day before yesterday, in a meeting, the government was shouting that 'everything is under control.' He said.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Central government following the latest round of fuel price hikes, accusing the ruling party of allegedly draining the common man's earnings in 'instalments'.

'Petrol has now crossed Rs 100. This time around. Looting the public's earnings in installments! The BJP's appetite isn't satisfied even after slapping a central tax of Rs 1000 crore daily on petrol-diesel. When international prices were low, they didn't pass on the benefits to the people--instead, they looted them relentlessly. When the crisis hit, they dove headfirst into elections, and after the elections, they preached sacrifice,' he wrote in the post.

Rebutting the administration's claims that fuel prices in India remain lower than in foreign nations, Kharge provided a comparative breakdown of how international governments stepped in to protect consumers during the recent West Asia energy crisis.

'Then, in just 8 days, they hiked petrol-diesel prices three times. We were told that prices in India are the lowest compared to foreign countries. When the war in West Asia broke out and PM Modi was busy feeding us Indians the 'everything's fine' sedative, other countries were providing relief to their citizens. 1. Italy cut excise on fuel, giving their people some relief. 2. Australia reduced excise duty, slashing petrol prices by about 17 per liter for citizens. 3. Germany lowered taxes on oil, reducing fuel prices by 17-19 per liter. 4. The UK provided Pound 100 in oil aid to households and cut taxes on fuel and electricity. 5. Ireland's EUR250 million relief package brought petrol prices down by about EUR0.15/liter and diesel by EUR0.20/liter,' he wrote.

The repeated hikes come amid a call for fuel conservation as the world faces an energy crisis amid the West Asia conflict, which led to a blockade in the significant maritime trade route, the Strait of Hormuz. (ANI)