Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vocally opposed the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices by the Union government, describing it as an 'anti-people decision' that places an undue burden on citizens already grappling with rising living costs. He attributed the hike to the failures of the Modi administration, including poor economic management and ineffective foreign policy, which he claims have forced the government to pass costs onto the public. Siddaramaiah warned that this increase would trigger a ripple effect, leading to higher prices for essential goods and services, including transportation, groceries, and agricultural inputs, disproportionately affecting farmers, workers, and middle-class families.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar echoed these sentiments, blaming the Centre for the escalating cost of living and deeming the government's suggestions to reduce fuel consumption unrealistic. Additionally, All India Congress Committee general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala accused the NDA government of exploiting citizens through excessive taxation on fuel, revealing that the government has amassed ₹43 lakh crore in taxes over the past 11 years. He argued that the current petrol price of ₹102.92 per litre is unjustified, given the drop in global crude oil prices.