HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has accused the Modi-led central government of engaging in severe economic exploitation by repeatedly increasing petrol prices through cess, thereby encroaching upon the rights of states. He alleged that the cess collected is not being used for infrastructure development but is instead diverted to promote the Centre’s own political agenda.
KTR strongly criticised the government for denying states their fair share in tax revenue, claiming that such actions are undermining the federal structure of the country. He said that even states like Telangana, which are significantly contributing to the national economy, are struggling with a financial crunch, while the Centre continues to exert dominance using the revenue from cess.
Open letter to Union Minister
In an open letter to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, KTR criticised the skyrocketing fuel prices, saying that India has become one of the most expensive countries in the world in terms of fuel costs. He noted that petrol, diesel, and LPG are cheaper even in countries like Bhutan, Pakistan, and crisis-hit Sri Lanka.
He pointed out that the price of an LPG cylinder exceeding ₹1,100 has become unbearable for poor and middle-class women. The Centre’s much-publicised Ujjwala Yojana, he said, has turned into a cruel joke, as many women who once received free cylinders under the scheme have now returned to cooking with firewood due to the high refill cost.
Fuel burden despite low crude prices
KTR questioned why, even though international crude oil prices have decreased compared to previous years, fuel prices in India continue to rise. He reminded the Union Minister that several BJP leaders, including current ministers, had once protested demanding lower petrol prices—an irony, he pointed out, given the current scenario.
He alleged that while the poor are being financially drained due to rising petrol and gas prices, oil companies are reaping thousands of crores in profit. He criticised the Centre for maintaining steady fuel prices only during elections and hiking them soon after, calling it a betrayal of the people.
“Maximum taxation, minimum relief”
KTR said the central government’s slogan of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” has effectively become “Maximum Taxation, Minimum Relief.” He mocked Prime Minister Modi’s “Achhe Din” promise, asking whether it now means middle-class families are struggling to pay EMIs and fuel bills, while the poor are forced to choose between buying an LPG cylinder or essential groceries.
He said states are losing their autonomy due to the Centre’s financial centralisation and urged it to abandon such policies. Speaking on behalf of crores of citizens, he placed several demands before the Union Minister:
1. Immediate rollback of fuel price hikes,
2. Substantial reduction in central excise duties,
3. Complete abolition of cess not shared with states,
4. Implementation of a transparent pricing mechanism in line with global crude prices,
5. Release of a white paper detailing fuel taxes, cess utilisation, and revenue sharing,
6. Restoration of true cooperative federalism.
KTR concluded that the Centre must now prove itself worthy of the people’s trust and stop hiding behind catchy slogans, calling instead for genuine, effective governance.
As you go in for another round of breaking the backs of this countrymen with Petrol, Diesel and LPG price hike, I want to remind Petroleum Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji about the crude joke that is being played, again and again
Today, India stands as one of the most expensive… pic.twitter.com/DaYLkvzxOh
— KTR (@KTRBRS) April 9, 2025
