Kerala’s Chief Minister Calls Recent Fuel Price Surge a ‘Daylight Robbery’

When the Ministry of Finance announced another hike in diesel and petrol prices, the reaction from Kerala’s political leadership was swift, sharp and unmistakably angry. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, described the move as a ‘daylight robbery’ that would squeeze the pockets of ordinary citizens.

“It is not just a price rise; it is an act of robbery in broad daylight,” Vijayan said, his tone alternating between disbelief and frustration. “The common man, who is already grappling with soaring food and utility bills, now has to bear a sudden and steep increase in fuel costs.”

The latest hike adds roughly ₹3 per litre to petrol and ₹4 per litre to diesel, on top of the previous increase made just a few weeks ago. While the Centre argues that the adjustment reflects the rising global crude oil market and the need to balance fiscal deficits, the Kerala chief minister contended that such decisions are being taken without due regard for the socioeconomic realities of the states.

Vijayan pointed out that Kerala’s economy is heavily dependent on transportation—both road and maritime—to keep its vital tourism sector and agricultural supply chains moving. “When fuel prices climb, it isn’t only the truck driver who feels the pinch; it ripples through the entire economy—tourists pay more, farmers see higher input costs, and the everyday commuter faces a tighter budget,” he explained.

He also reminded the audience that the state already shoulders a considerable share of indirect taxes, and further hikes exacerbate the burden on an already vulnerable populace. “We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for a sense of responsibility and fairness from the Centre,” he added.

The chief minister’s remarks have sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many Kerala residents echoing his sentiment. One commenter wrote, “It feels like the government is taking money right out of our wallets while we struggle to make ends meet.” Others called for a broader dialogue between the Union and the states to find a more balanced approach.

In response, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance said that the price revision is a “necessary step” driven by volatile international markets and the need to sustain the country’s fiscal health. The spokesperson also hinted at possible compensatory measures for the poorer sections of society, though specifics were not disclosed.

Analysts note that the tension between the Centre and state governments over fuel taxation is not new, but the current climate of inflation makes the issue particularly sensitive. “If the central government wants to avoid alienating large voter bases in states like Kerala, it must consider a more nuanced tax structure, perhaps with temporary subsidies or targeted relief,” suggested a senior economist at a Delhi think‑tank.

Meanwhile, commuters in Kerala are already feeling the impact. Long queues formed at petrol pumps in Kochi and Kozhikode shortly after the announcement, with many drivers expressing concern over the added cost to their daily commute.

Vijayan concluded his briefing by urging the Centre to engage in constructive dialogue and revisit the tax component of fuel pricing. “We are ready to discuss, but we will not stand idle while our people are robbed in plain sight,” he asserted.