Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed strong discontent over the recent ₹3 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices, calling it 'unacceptable' and demanding an immediate rollback from the Union government. He argued that this price hike would adversely affect the poor and middle-class families, particularly those reliant on two-wheelers and small vehicles for their daily commute and livelihoods. Vijay criticized oil marketing companies for failing to lower prices in line with global crude price fluctuations, instead opting to maximize profits. He pointed out that the rise in fuel prices would lead to increased costs for daily commodities, thereby diminishing the purchasing power of low-income households. Furthermore, he warned that the price hike could trigger a slowdown in market activity and exports due to higher input costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This increase follows a significant surge in global crude oil prices, which have risen by more than 50% since February, primarily due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, affecting energy supply routes. Petrol and diesel prices are now at their highest levels since May 2022.