Farmers in Punjab are expressing their anger over a recent series of diesel price hikes, which have totaled ₹7.5 per litre over the past 11 days. The most recent increase of ₹2.71 per litre was implemented on Monday, following earlier hikes of ₹3, ₹0.90, and ₹0.91 within the month. This surge in fuel prices comes at a critical time as Punjab gears up for the paddy transplantation season, which is vital for the state's agriculture. Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Rajewal), criticized the government for the hikes, stating they overshadow agricultural welfare initiatives and significantly raise farmers' input costs. With Punjab's agriculture sector consuming nearly 50% of the state's diesel during the kharif season, farmers are particularly vulnerable. Harinder Singh Lakhowal, general secretary of BKU (Lakhowal), questioned the government's previous claims that India would remain insulated from global oil price fluctuations. In response to the price hikes, farmer organizations are mobilizing for protests, echoing sentiments from the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, a coalition of farmer groups nationwide.