New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has strongly criticised the central government for not reducing petrol and diesel prices despite a significant drop in international crude oil rates. He argued that the benefits of cheaper crude oil must be passed on to the common man, stating that petrol should ideally cost ₹82 per litre, and if E20 ethanol blended fuel is considered, the price should drop further to ₹70 per litre.
Addressing the issue on Thursday, Kejriwal pointed out the stark contrast between global trends and domestic fuel costs. He noted that crude oil prices in the international market have plummeted from $115 per barrel to $70 per barrel. Yet, the price of E20 petrol in India remains steeply pegged at ₹102 per litre.
Kejriwal stated that if fuel prices are reduced, it will directly bring down inflation and provide massive relief to the public. He questioned the government’s justification of recovering past losses, asking why the bumper profits made during periods of low crude prices could not offset the losses incurred during wartime spikes. He demanded an immediate reduction from the current ₹102 being charged to consumers.
In a related development on Wednesday, Kejriwal took proactive steps regarding the controversial E20 ethanol blended fuel. He dispatched formal letters to 29 automobile manufacturers, seeking written clarification on how E20 impacts vehicle mileage and engine safety. Specific letters were addressed to industry giants like Maruti Suzuki India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Hero MotoCorp, while a separate communication was sent to 26 other manufacturers. He has requested a response within seven days to address growing consumer concerns over fuel efficiency.
Apart from the fuel price debate, the AAP leader also took a swipe at the current administration over Delhi’s waterlogging issues as the monsoon arrives. Kejriwal dismissed the opposition’s frequent references to the Minto Bridge, recalling that his government had successfully resolved waterlogging there during its tenure. He heavily criticised the present condition of the national capital, citing severe garbage accumulation, broken roads, and unprecedented civic mess created within a year.