Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien on Friday (May 15, 2026) criticised the BJP-led Central government over the hike in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that first they "looted" people's votes and "then they kick you where it hurts".
In a post on X, the Rajya Sabha member also asked whether the BJP-led West Bengal government would now reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel since the party is also in power at the Centre and does not need to worry about funds being blocked.
First they loot your vote, then they kick you where it hurts. Pathetically predictable. Diesel and petrol prices hiked.
— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) May 15, 2026
Will Bengal Govt reduce VAT on petrol & diesel now that there's a Delhi-controlled government which doesn't have to worry about funds being blocked by Centre?
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre each on Friday (May 15, 2026). This is the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses of fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices. "First they loot your vote, then they kick you where it hurts. Pathetically predictable," Mr. O'Brien said.
The fuel price hike comes 16 days after Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Fuel prices had remained unchanged through the polling period despite a sharp rise in international oil prices triggered by the West Asia conflict.
Mr. O'Brien further said, "Diesel and petrol prices hiked. Will Bengal government reduce VAT on petrol & diesel now that there's a Delhi-controlled government which doesn't have to worry about funds being blocked by Centre?" Fuel prices vary across States due to differences in VAT.