On May 15, 2026, former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan denounced the central government's decision to raise fuel prices, calling it a betrayal of public welfare. He stated that the increase in petrol and diesel prices would worsen the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, significantly affecting lower-income families, unskilled workers, and daily commuters. Vijayan warned that higher diesel prices would lead to increased freight charges, which would subsequently raise the prices of essential commodities. He criticized the government for exploiting the rise in crude oil prices due to the crisis in West Asia while failing to pass on the benefits of a decade of low crude prices to the public. Additionally, he pointed out that the recent hike in cooking gas prices has severely impacted household budgets and the hotel and restaurant industry. Vijayan emphasized that the working class would bear the brunt of these price hikes, while the government appeared indifferent to their struggles.