New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) BJP and its allies on Tuesday defended the recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, arguing that despite the global energy crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia, fuel costs in India remain comparatively lower than in many countries.

The reactions came after state-run oil marketing companies revised fuel prices for the second time in less than a week amid a sharp rise in international crude oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region and concerns over disruptions in global oil supply routes.

Following the latest revision, the price of petrol increased by 86 paise per litre while diesel became costlier by 83 paise per litre.

Several BJP leaders maintained that although the global crisis has impacted economies across the world, India has managed the situation relatively better and urged citizens to conserve fuel in line with appeals made earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also attributed the rise in fuel prices to the worsening global situation and disruption in energy supply routes.

“There is a global crisis. The Strait of Hormuz is blocked. There is a large-scale shortage of oil and gas worldwide. Only in India, the minimum burden is being placed on the public,” Hussain said.

“In such a situation, the Opposition leaders are making irrelevant statements; it is unfortunate,” he added.

Speaking to IANS, Uttar Pradesh Minister and Nishad Party founder Sanjay Nishad said that India continues to remain in a comparatively stable position despite the growing crisis in West Asia.

“Every time, the situation is measured through comparison, and when we compare the situation in India with other nations, we are safe and secure despite the crisis in West Asia. Because of PM Modi, India has become strong. When there is a conflict in the Gulf, it’s obvious that the fuel prices will rise. PM Modi has appealed to the countrymen to save fuel. For now, this is all we can do,” Nishad said.

He further stated that earlier governments should have focused more on developing alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

“If previous governments had worked for alternative ways to generate energy, we wouldn’t have seen this day. However, we are still managing well as compared to other nations,” he added.

Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly Babulal Marandi said that rising fuel prices are a global phenomenon linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The entire world is witnessing a hike in fuel prices due to the war in West Asia and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. For this, PM Modi has also made an appeal to the citizens of the country to conserve fuel. However, as the war continues to escalate in the Gulf, it is obvious that the fuel prices will rise. Compared to other countries, oil prices in India have not risen as much,” Marandi told IANS.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said the government has tried to minimise the impact of the international crisis on ordinary citizens despite heavy losses suffered by oil companies.

“There is a global crisis regarding petrol and diesel. Due to wars, prices have increased worldwide. As much as possible, the Prime Minister has tried to ensure that people are not heavily affected by it. But the condition of our oil companies is poor, and they have suffered losses worth lakhs of crores of rupees. Therefore, only the minimum necessary price increase has been made,” Ghosh said.

–IANS

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