Former Minister and YSRCP leader Sidiri Appala Raju and YSRCP State Secretary Yenni Dhanunjaya Rao on Monday (May 18, 2026) said that the hike in fuel prices would have a serious impact on the common man, and the prices of all essential commodities were shooting up because of high inflation. Both leaders organised a protest in Palasa of Srikakulam district based on a call given by former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Appala Raju alleged that the Chandrababu Naidu government was imposing an additional burden through local taxes and surcharges on fuel, even as it said petrol and diesel prices were relatively low in Odisha and other States. Mr. Dhanunjaya Rao, who is also in-charge of Palasa constituency, asked the Central government to reduce fuel charges immediately to protect the interests of common people of the country.