A new government forms in just a few days. With the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, the government proclaimed a significant reduction in petrol and diesel prices two days beforehand, lowering them by Rs 2.
As the electoral meter ticks 'UP' with approaching election dates, the petrol-diesel price meter tends 'DOWN' with cuts.
Previously in May 2022, the government had provided relief by slashing excise duties, stabilizing fuel prices since. After nearly 22 months, fuel prices have been cut.
Post-reduction, Delhi now sees petrol at Rs 94.72 per liter and diesel at Rs 87.62 per liter.
Earlier on March 8, the Modi government had announced a Rs 100 reduction on unsubsidized LPG cylinders.
The opposition has launched an attack on the price cuts of petrol, diesel, and gas cylinders preceding elections. Congress leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram called it 'cunning'. He stated, 'I predicted last week that fuel prices would drop, and today they have. Will the government promise that if BJP returns, prices won't hike after elections?'
Chidambaram criticized the tactic of inflating prices initially only to reduce them before elections.
According to the Petroleum Ministry, the cut will bring down operating costs for over 58 million heavy goods vehicles, 60 million cars, and 270 million two-wheelers. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also compared prices with Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, where they are 50 to 79 percent higher.
After 22 months of stability in fuel prices, the recent cuts have reignited discussions on whether there's an electoral benefit to such decisions. It's worth considering if election strategy influences fuel pricing—a pivotal question as the nation heads to the polls.
Source: aajtak
The intriguing pattern of fuel price cuts right before elections suggests a strategic pricing move. But what effect will this have on the looming election results? Only time will tell.
