Pune: Congress Stages Bullock Cart Protest Against Fuel Price Hike

Pune, 26th May 2026: The Pune City Congress Committee on Tuesday staged a protest outside the district collector’s office against the recent hike in petrol, diesel and domestic LPG prices imposed by the Centre.

Congress workers held a demonstration using bullock carts and horse-drawn tongas to symbolically protest against rising fuel prices and demand an immediate rollback. Speaking during the agitation, Pune Congress east unit president Prashant Jagtap alleged that despite collecting nearly Rs 1,000 crore daily through central taxes on petrol and diesel when crude oil prices were low globally, the BJP-led central government failed to pass on the benefit to citizens. “When crude prices were low, the government did not reduce fuel rates for the public. Now, after elections, the same leadership is preaching austerity while fuel prices are being increased continuously,” he said.

Jagtap said that petrol and diesel prices had now been increased for the fourth time and accused the Centre of misleading citizens by claiming that fuel prices in India were lower compared to other countries. He said the rise in fuel prices had triggered inflation in essential commodities, severely affecting common citizens.

He also alleged that fuel shortages had emerged in several rural areas, creating difficulties for farmers in carrying out agricultural work. Comparing the present situation with the UPA regime, Jagtap said the Congress-led government had exercised restraint in fuel price hikes even during periods of rising crude oil prices in the international market.

“The Modi government’s ineffective crude oil import policy could push the country into an economic crisis. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the Centre has not convened an all-party meeting to find a solution,” he added.

Pune Congress west unit president Dipti Choudhari said that along with petrol and diesel, domestic LPG prices had also increased while supply had reduced, causing hardship to households.

She alleged that the Centre had sought votes in the name of women’s welfare but failed to provide relief from inflation and rising household expenses. “Due to soaring prices and shortage of LPG cylinders, household budgets have collapsed. Essential commodities have become costlier and it has become difficult for ordinary families to run their homes,” she said.

Choudhari further said that when crude oil prices had fallen sharply in the international market earlier, the Centre earned massive profits through oil companies, and now it should provide subsidies to give relief to the common people.