Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday opposed the hike in fuel prices and urged the Union government to roll back the hike immediately.
In a statement, Mr. Vijay said this was unacceptable and argued that it would seriously affect the purchasing capacity of the poor and downtrodden. He pointed out that oil marketing companies do not cut fuel prices when oil prices fall and instead realize profits. The increase in fuel prices, especially after the elections to the Assembly in some states and in the territory of the Union, was unacceptable.
“The monthly income of the poor, downtrodden and middle class who use two-wheelers and minibuses would be affected,” Vijay said. Those who would get loans for running the vehicles would be forced to incur additional expenses and their economy would also be affected,” the CM said.
Due to the rise in fuel prices, car rental rates are also to increase, the CM said. “It would increase inflation and affect the purchasing power of the poor and downtrodden.” Mr. Vijay further said that the cost of production in the SME sector will increase, which will lead to market stagnation and affect the export of goods.
Published – 15 May 2026 19:46 IST
