Dhaliwal slams BJP for taking credit over excise duty cut, asks Jakhar to specify petrol pumps selling cheaper fuel

Chandigarh, March 28, 2026: Senior Congress leader and MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal (former IAS officer) criticized the BJP, accusing state president Sunil Jakhar and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu of misleading the people of Punjab. He said that amid the energy crisis, the BJP is busy exploiting the situation for political gains.
He stated that after reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10, the BJP is trying to take undue credit. However, according to him, this move benefits large companies rather than providing real relief to the common people.
Punjab BJP leaders claim that reducing ₹10 on fuel has provided major relief. Dhaliwal questioned Jakhar and Bittu, asking them to point out which petrol pumps in Punjab are actually selling fuel at reduced prices so that people can be directed there. He added that in reality, oil companies have been benefiting for the last 12 years while the burden has been shifted onto the public.
He alleged that the BJP-led central government has not provided any real relief to the public and is merely attempting to gain praise by announcing excise duty cuts. He claimed that during the Congress government, excise duty was only ₹9 per litre on petrol and ₹3 per litre on diesel, whereas under the BJP it has increased to ₹26 and ₹22 per litre respectively.
Dhaliwal further said that with the global energy crisis and crude oil prices reaching $100 per barrel, Prime Minister Modi is now engaging in discussions. However, during the UPA government, crude oil prices had gone up to $150 per barrel, yet Congress did not burden the public with heavy taxes. Instead of excessively benefiting oil companies, Congress ensured relief for citizens, which contributed to strong economic growth during that period.
He emphasized that the current situation cannot be termed a success for the BJP. Despite the reduction in excise duty, fuel prices have not decreased, and the burden continues to affect farmers, transporters, and the middle class.
Dhaliwal concluded that if the BJP government genuinely wants to provide relief, it should significantly reduce fuel prices and ensure long-term price stability. He added that when crude oil was cheaper, the benefits were limited to big corporations and their associates, and now, when people are struggling with inflation, small reductions are being projected as major relief to mislead the public. He asserted that the people of Punjab understand the reality and will not be swayed by such political narratives.