CM C.J. Vijay Condemns Fuel Price Hike Amid Global Tensions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday denounced the Rs 3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices, labeling it 'unacceptable' and demanding its immediate repeal. He warned that the price hike would impact various societal segments, particularly the poor and middle-class who rely heavily on two-wheelers and small vehicles.

Vijay accused government-controlled oil marketing companies of not adjusting fuel prices in accordance with global crude oil market trends, choosing instead to 'take the profits.' He highlighted the negative impact on small businesses and export sectors due to increased input costs, potentially leading to a market slowdown.

The Chief Minister called on the union government to reverse the price hike, which comes on the heels of a more than 50% surge in global crude oil prices following geopolitical tensions involving US-Israeli strikes on Iran, affecting energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

(With inputs from agencies.)