New Delhi

Sanjay Yadav on Friday criticised airlines and private service providers for sharply increasing prices during emergencies, calling for government action against what he described as “disaster profiteering.”

Speaking during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, the RJD leader referred to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, alleging that panic among travellers was exploited through steep fare hikes.

He pointed out that air ticket prices from Srinagar to Delhi, which usually range between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000, reportedly surged to as high as ₹60,000–₹80,000 as tourists rushed to leave the region.

According to Yadav, charging such exorbitant rates from people trying to escape a crisis reflects a serious ethical lapse. He argued that this is not an isolated occurrence but part of a broader trend seen during disasters.

Citing examples, he said that during floods and other emergencies, airfares often rise sharply under dynamic pricing models, while prices of essential goods increase, ambulance services become more expensive, and app-based cab platforms impose heavy surge charges.

“The greater the panic, the greater the exploitation,” he remarked, questioning the lack of timely intervention.

He further asked what role the government plays in such situations and whether adequate safeguards exist to protect citizens from being overcharged during emergencies.

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Describing the issue as more than just an economic concern, Yadav termed it a larger ethical and social problem. He urged authorities to ensure that, in times of crisis, systems prioritise public welfare over profit.