C. Joseph Vijay has launched his first major political attack on the central government soon after assuming office, strongly criticizing the recent fuel price hike announced across the country.

The newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has demanded an immediate rollback of the ₹3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices, calling the move “unacceptable” and harmful for ordinary citizens already struggling with inflation.

Vijay Says Fuel Hike Will Hurt Common People

In a strong statement, Vijay said the fuel price increase would place an additional financial burden on poor and middle-class families.

According to the Chief Minister, rising fuel prices affect not only transportation expenses but also lead to higher costs across multiple sectors, ultimately impacting daily household budgets.

His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), warned that the fuel hike could trigger another wave of inflation at a time when people are already dealing with increased living costs.

Vijay reportedly said:

“This increase is a blow to the purchasing power of ordinary and struggling people.”

First Fuel Price Increase in Nearly Four Years

The revised fuel prices came into effect on Friday and mark the first major increase announced by government-owned oil marketing companies in nearly four years.

The central government has defended the decision by pointing to:

• Rising global crude oil prices
• West Asia instability
• Supply chain disruptions
• Growing import costs

According to reports, crude oil prices have climbed to nearly USD 104 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions and energy-related uncertainty.

Centre Cites Energy Crisis and Financial Pressure

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy reportedly stated that the ongoing global energy crisis and increasing crude oil prices made the fuel revision necessary.

Government officials also claimed that public sector oil companies have been suffering heavy losses due to rising import expenses and international market volatility.

According to Finance Ministry sources:

• Oil companies are reportedly losing over ₹1000 crore daily
• Global supply chain disruptions have worsened operational costs
• The government may no longer be able to continue compensating oil companies indefinitely

These factors were cited as the primary reasons behind the fuel price adjustment.

Vijay Signals Aggressive Stand Against Centre

Political observers believe Vijay’s sharp response signals an aggressive political stance toward the central government early in his tenure.

His comments have attracted special attention because he became the first non-Dravidian party leader to head Tamil Nadu since 1969.

Analysts suggest that Vijay may be attempting to position his administration as:

• Pro-public
• Welfare-focused
• Inflation-sensitive
• Supportive of middle-class and working-class concerns

The fuel price issue could become an important early political test for the new TVK government.

MSMEs Could Face Serious Impact, Says Vijay

The Chief Minister also expressed concern about the impact of higher fuel costs on small businesses and industries.

According to him, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are already struggling with rising operational expenses, may face additional financial stress because of the hike.

Higher transportation and logistics costs could eventually increase:

• Product prices
• Manufacturing costs
• Delivery expenses
• Consumer inflation

Vijay Questions Timing of Fuel Hike

Vijay also questioned the timing of the price increase, noting that it came shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

According to him, this creates the impression that fuel prices are often kept stable during election periods and increased afterward.

His remarks have added a political dimension to the controversy, with opposition parties across different states also criticizing the move.

Opposition Voices Growing Nationwide

The demand for rolling back fuel prices is reportedly gaining support in several states.

In Thiruvananthapuram, reports claim petrol prices have crossed ₹110 per litre, triggering protests by citizens and political groups.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi also criticized the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of burdening citizens due to policy failures.

Fuel Price Issue Becomes Early Challenge for New Government

As Vijay’s government begins its term in office, the fuel price controversy has quickly emerged as a major political and economic issue.

The debate has also helped the Chief Minister project himself as a leader focused on protecting ordinary citizens from rising costs and inflation pressures.

Whether the central government will reconsider the fuel price increase remains uncertain, but the issue has already become one of the defining topics in the early days of Tamil Nadu’s new administration.