Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the Centre over ₹3 fuel price hike and ₹72 MSP increase, calling it unfair to farmers and harmful to their income.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly criticized the Central Government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices along with a marginal hike in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy crops. He termed the policy move as unfair to farmers and claimed it puts additional financial pressure on the agricultural community.

Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the decision to increase fuel prices by ₹3 per litre has directly impacted farming costs, including transportation, irrigation, and cultivation expenses. He further stated that the simultaneous announcement of a small MSP increase of ₹72 per quintal for paddy fails to compensate farmers for rising input costs.

According to Harpal Singh Cheema, the timing of both decisions reflects a contradiction in the Centre’s agricultural and economic policies. He argued that while farmers are being offered only a token increase in MSP, the rise in diesel prices significantly reduces their net earnings.

Central Government increases petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre and then gives a marginal MSP increase of just ₹72 per quintal on paddy. This is a direct assault on farmers’ incomes. By giving a token MSP hike and raising diesel prices the very next day, the @BJP4India…

— Adv Harpal Singh Cheema (@HarpalCheemaMLA) May 15, 2026

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The Punjab Finance Minister accused the Central Government of ignoring the real challenges faced by farmers, especially those dependent on diesel-powered irrigation systems and transportation. He said such policy decisions could further deepen the financial stress in the agricultural sector.

Harpal Singh Cheema also stated that the state government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring support at the state level wherever possible.

He emphasized that Punjab’s farming community plays a crucial role in national food security and deserves fair compensation and stable input costs. The Finance Minister urged the Centre to reconsider its approach and adopt farmer-friendly policies that balance both input costs and crop prices.

Political observers note that this statement adds to the ongoing debate between state and central governments over agricultural pricing policies, fuel taxation, and farmer welfare measures.

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