Ashok Gehlot, a senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has demanded a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to alleviate inflation burdens on citizens. He criticized the BJP-led state government for profiting from rising fuel prices, which he claims are exacerbating the financial strain on the poor and middle class.

• 01Gehlot accused the Rajasthan BJP government of capitalizing on rising fuel prices, which increase VAT revenue for the state.
• 02He emphasized that the continuous increase in fuel prices is heavily impacting the daily lives of ordinary citizens, particularly farmers.
• 03Congress leader Pramod Tiwari criticized the Central government for raising fuel prices three times in less than 10 days, totaling a ₹5 increase per litre.
• 04Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted how other countries provided relief to their citizens during the energy crisis, contrasting it with the Indian government's approach.
• 05The article notes that the recent fuel price hikes are occurring amid a global energy crisis, affecting supply chains and commodity prices.

The rising fuel prices and high VAT are significantly affecting the cost of living for residents in Rajasthan, particularly impacting low-income households and farmers.