Maharashtra: Sule Accuses Centre Of Ignoring Fuel Price Warnings
“This is just the beginning; the situation could become even more critical in the days to come”: MP Supriya Sule
MUMBAI: NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Monday criticized the Centre over rising fuel prices, accusing the central government of failing to address the issue. She also demanded that both the Central and State governments immediately convene an all-party meeting.
“The country is entering a difficult period amid the escalating US-Iran conflict and these issues are causing severe hardship for the common public. We had warned the government about the fuel price hike and shortages as early as six months ago; however, the government chose to ignore it,” Sule alleged.
“(The leader of opposition) Rahul Gandhi, other opposition leaders, and I have been consistently raising concerns – both inside and outside Parliament – regarding the rising prices of petrol and diesel and the potential crisis looming ahead. We had repeatedly pointed out that the government lacked proper planning, and now the repercussions of that are visible across the entire country.”
“There is an atmosphere of economic crisis prevailing globally. In India, too, the economic situation is becoming increasingly grave. At such a juncture, the government must act responsibly and take all political parties into its confidence,” she said.
She further issued a warning, stating, “This is just the beginning; the situation could become even more critical in the days to come.”
Reacting to Sule’s criticism, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra said, “For the majority of the past 12 years, India's inflation index remained at its lowest levels. Currently, the entire world is grappling with an economic and inflationary crisis, the impact of which is being felt in India as well. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is consistently implementing appropriate measures to address this situation, and the positive results of these efforts will soon become visible.”
Speaking regarding the shortage of petrol and diesel, Fadnavis drew attention to the prevailing global circumstances. “Many countries across the globe are facing a fuel emergency, with some even reaching a point where lockdowns have become necessary. Even amidst such challenging circumstances, we are striving to maintain a smooth and uninterrupted supply. However, driven by the fear that fuel might become unavailable in the future, demand has suddenly surged by 20 percent. I appeal to the citizens not to engage in unnecessary hoarding,” he said.