MUMBAI: Fuel prices and energy policy returned to the political spotlight this week, with the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP (SP)] launching a twin attack on the BJP, questioning both the Centre’s fuel pricing policy and what it termed “publicity-driven austerity” amid growing global uncertainty over energy supplies.The opposition party criticised recent displays of fuel conservation by BJP leaders following appeals linked to global tensions and concerns over oil supply disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis.Addressing the media, NCP(SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase described the BJP’s austerity messaging as “drama and publicity” rather than a serious attempt at long-term fuel conservation.The criticism followed visuals of BJP leaders travelling by buses, metro trains and motorcycles as part of a public message on reducing fuel consumption.“Travelling on bikes, buses and metro trains for a single day before cameras will neither reduce fuel prices nor resolve the crisis. Genuine intent towards austerity should be visible through sustained action,” Tapase said.He also questioned whether such measures would continue beyond symbolic appearances, sarcastically asking whether Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would commute daily on a motorcycle and alleging that the austerity narrative could ultimately justify expenditure on electric vehicles for ministers and bureaucrats.Tapase further accused the BJP of inconsistency, arguing that similar concern over fuel conservation was absent during political rallies, roadshows and campaign events held during the recently concluded Assembly elections.The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened concern over global crude oil prices following tensions in West Asia and the possible impact of geopolitical instability on India’s energy security.The NCP(SP) simultaneously sharpened its criticism of the Narendra Modi-led Central Government over repeated increases in petrol and diesel prices, alleging that ordinary citizens continue to shoulder the burden of fuel inflation.“Every time petrol and diesel prices rise, the burden falls on farmers, workers, small businessmen, transporters and middle-class families. Vegetable prices go up, transport costs increase, school fees rise and household budgets collapse,” Tapase said.He alleged that the government had failed to pass on the benefits of lower international crude prices to consumers while swiftly allowing the impact of global price increases to reach households.“When crude oil prices were low globally, did the people get relief? No. The government collected massive revenues but gave nothing back to citizens. Now the moment international prices rise slightly, the entire burden is immediately passed on to the people,” he alleged.Fuel pricing remains politically sensitive in India because of its ripple effect across transport, logistics and retail inflation. Petrol and diesel prices influence the cost of essential commodities and services, making changes in fuel rates closely watched by households and businesses alike.India follows a market-linked pricing mechanism under which petrol and diesel prices are influenced by global crude rates, exchange movements, refinery and freight costs and taxes imposed by both the Union and state governments. Governments have maintained that fuel taxation supports infrastructure and welfare spending, while opposition parties frequently argue that consumers do not receive adequate relief when international oil prices decline.The NCP(SP) also questioned the financial performance of public sector oil companies during a period of rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty.According to the party, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited reported a 77.58 per cent increase in profit during the fourth quarter of FY26, while Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and HPCL together earned upwards of Rs 20,000 crore profit in a quarter of 2026.Tapase alleged that despite these earnings, consumers continued to face elevated fuel prices. “There is no transparency, no accountability — only propaganda and public relations,” he alleged, adding that citizens were facing rising costs of fuel, LPG and daily living.The party reiterated chief Sharad Pawar’s demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi convene an immediate all-party meeting to discuss the West Asia crisis and India’s energy security.NCP(SP) also sought greater transparency regarding the profits and financial management of state-run oil companies and questioned whether adequate investments had been made in India’s strategic fuel reserves. It proposed an emergency advisory group comprising political leaders, economists and industry experts to examine the economic and energy implications of the ongoing US-Iran tensions.The Central Government and BJP had not immediately responded to the specific allegations. The claims regarding fuel pricing, oil company profits and austerity measures were made by NCP(SP) as part of its criticism of the government’s handling of inflation and energy policy.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026