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For many in Andhra Pradesh, Rs 109/ litre petrol price is not just about rising fuel costs, it is about promises made, expectations set, and governments failing to deliver relief
Economists argue that with 20% ethanol blending, petrol should cost Rs 12-14 less per litre, bringing prices down to around Rs 95 in Andhra Pradesh. (Representational Photo/ PTI)
Petrol prices in Andhra Pradesh are once again in the spotlight, sparking public frustration and political debate. Citizens are demanding answers from both the Centre and the state, as the price of a litre of petrol touched Rs 109.04, one of the highest rates in the country.
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For many, this is not just about rising fuel costs —it is about promises made, expectations set, and governments failing to deliver relief.
Campaign Rhetoric vs. Reality
During the 2024 Assembly election campaign, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had sharply criticised the previous YSRCP government for burdening citizens with high fuel prices. He accused them of doing little to bring costs down.
But here’s the catch: while Naidu attacked YSRCP for its inaction, he never promised to reduce VAT or slash petrol prices in his manifesto. That omission is now haunting him, as people demand from his coalition government why fuel prices remain as high as they were under the previous regime.
A Pattern That Began Years Ago
Petrol prices in Andhra Pradesh have been climbing steadily over the past five years.
- In 2019, when the YSRCP came to power, petrol was around Rs 80–85 per litre.
- In 2021-2022, After Covid-19, global oil shocks and hikes in central excise duty pushed prices sharply upward, hitting Rs 105-110.
- During the 2024 elections, petrol stood at about Rs 109.50- Rs 110, especially in cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
Despite public anger, neither the Centre nor the YSRCP government reduced VAT during those years. Now, even under the coalition government, the numbers have not budged.
The Ethanol Question: Where Is The Relief?
Adding to the frustration is the Centre’s recent push for ethanol-blended petrol. Currently, up to 20% ethanol is mixed into every litre of petrol, supposedly to reduce dependency on imported crude oil and bring down costs.
But on the ground, the story is different. Despite ethanol being cheaper than petrol, prices have not dropped. In fact, they have continued to rise.
Economists argue that with 20% ethanol blending, petrol should cost Rs 12-14 less per litre, bringing prices down to around Rs 95. But instead of passing the benefit on to consumers, both the Centre and state governments appear to have looked the other way.
This has led to growing resentment: if prices remain high even after blending ethanol, people are questioning what the point of the policy is.
Silent Governments, Loud Opposition
Opposition parties have called the fuel prices a “weapon” against the ruling coalition—much like the YSRCP faced in its time. For ordinary citizens, though, the silence of both governments is infuriating.
Why is no one pushing the Centre to act? Why is the state not demanding relief for its people? These are the questions voters are now raising.
Beyond Petrol: Citizens Look To Alternatives
The frustration has also pushed many towards electric vehicles (EVs). Rising petrol costs are driving consumers to explore EVs as a cheaper and cleaner alternative.
However, this shift is not without challenges:
- High upfront costs of EVs keep them out of reach for middle-class buyers.
- Lack of charging infrastructure makes them impractical for long journeys.
- Maintenance and battery concerns continue to trouble potential buyers.
So, while EVs may look like the future, the present reality is that most people are still heavily dependent on petrol—at whatever price the pump dictates.
What It Means Politically
Fuel prices have always been politically sensitive in India. They impact not only household budgets but also inflation, as transport costs feed into the price of essential goods.
In Andhra Pradesh, petrol has now become a political flashpoint:
For the ruling coalition, it is a test of credibility—did they only criticize their predecessors, or can they actually offer solutions?
For the opposition, it’s a ready-made tool to corner the government, just as Naidu once did with YSRCP.
The larger frustration, however, belongs to the people. With no relief in sight, many feel betrayed by political promises that evaporate after elections.
The Bottom Line
Petrol prices in Andhra Pradesh tell a larger story of governance, accountability, and trust. Despite ethanol blending, despite global oil trends stabilising, and despite tall promises during elections, the burden on the common man remains the same.
Until governments—both at the Centre and in the state—take coordinated action, the price of petrol will remain a burning issue, quite literally fuelling public anger.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 08, 2025, 16:36 IST
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