18 May 2026, New Delhi: The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has strongly opposed the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, demanding an immediate rollback and the supply of tax-free diesel for agricultural use at ₹35 per litre.
In a statement issued in New Delhi on May 16, AIKS leaders said the fuel price hike would sharply increase farming costs for Indian farmers dependent on tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps and diesel-powered farm machinery.
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AIKS President Rajan Kshirsagar said the increase would have a severe impact on the farming community. “This price hike is a direct assault on the very foundation of our agrarian economy,” said Rajan Kshirsagar, President, All India Kisan Sabha. “While the government sheds crocodile tears over inflation, it continues to burden farmers who produce food for 140 crore Indians.”
AIKS General Secretary Ravula Venkaiah demanded that the government immediately withdraw the fuel price increase and provide affordable diesel for agriculture. “We demand that the price rise be rolled back immediately and that agricultural diesel be made completely tax-free, pegged at no more than ₹35 per litre,” said Ravula Venkaiah, General Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha.
According to AIKS, diesel prices in Delhi increased to ₹90.67 per litre after the latest revision, while petrol prices crossed ₹97.77 per litre. The organisation claimed that taxes and cesses account for nearly 50–55 percent of diesel prices.
The farmers’ organisation stated that the Road and Infrastructure Cess and Special Additional Excise Duty contribute significantly to diesel prices despite tractors being prohibited from using expressways. It also highlighted different VAT rates imposed by states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa.
Ravula Venkaiah, General Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha, also criticised the government’s foreign policy and energy management strategy. “The government has failed to secure India’s energy interests. Its erratic and servile foreign policy has left India vulnerable to global price shocks,” he stated.
AIKS further alleged that the government was treating the aviation sector more favourably than agriculture. Rajan Kshirsagar, President, All India Kisan Sabha, said, “When ATF prices rise, the government moves quickly to grant relief. When farmers are burdened by diesel prices, there is complete silence.”
Krishna Deo Singh, National Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha, said the government earns substantial revenue from petroleum taxes and could easily support farmers through lower diesel prices. “A fraction of the revenue collected from petroleum is enough to provide tax-free diesel to agriculture without affecting the national budget,” he said.
AIKS warned that if its demands are not met within seven days, it will launch nationwide protests from May 25, including demonstrations at district headquarters and preparations for a march to Parliament. Rajan Kshirsagar, President, All India Kisan Sabha, said the farming community would continue its agitation until relief is provided to farmers.
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