Bengaluru/Thoothukudi

D. K. Shivakumar on Friday sharply criticised the Centre over the hike in petrol and diesel prices, describing it as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “gift” to the people and claiming the country had reached a “tragic situation.”

His remarks came after fuel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre each—the first increase in more than four years—amid mounting pressure on fuel retailers due to rising global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar questioned the Prime Minister’s recent appeal urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption, postpone gold purchases, and spend cautiously in view of global economic uncertainties.

Calling the suggestions impractical, Shivakumar said ordinary citizens cannot be expected to stop using vehicles, reduce household consumption, or postpone personal financial decisions such as buying gold. He argued that people earn to lead their lives with dignity and should not be asked to curtail essential or cultural expenditures.

He also criticised what he described as the Centre’s handling of international relations, alleging that diplomatic failures had contributed to the present economic pressures.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s own decision to reduce the size of his convoy as part of a fuel-saving campaign, Shivakumar said symbolic steps by leaders were welcome but questioned whether similar expectations could realistically be imposed on the general public.

Later, while speaking in Thoothukudi, Shivakumar also alleged that the BJP-led central government had failed in governance and reiterated that citizens should be allowed to make their own economic choices without restrictions.

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The fuel price hike comes against the backdrop of rising crude oil prices, supply disruptions in the Gulf region, and the Centre’s broader appeal for economic restraint to shield the country from external shocks.