The prices of petrol and diesel in Karnataka rose sharply by Rs 3 and Rs 3.02, respectively, on Sunday, following the state government's decision to increase the sales tax on these fuels.

According to the official notification, the Karnataka Sales Tax (KST) on petrol has been raised from 25.92 percent to 29.84 percent, and on diesel from 14.3 percent to 18.4 percent. This adjustment led to the immediate increase in fuel prices.

The state finance department confirmed that the new prices would take effect immediately, prompting a wave of criticism from various quarters.

BJP leaders were quick to denounce the move by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated, "The true face of the Congress party has been exposed. They talk about inflation, yet their state governments raise fuel prices. In Karnataka, they have imposed an anti-farmer, anti-common man tax, increasing petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 and Rs 3.05."

Poonawalla also accused the government of hiking the tax to cover financial shortfalls caused by their schemes, alleging that they have bankrupted Karnataka.

The price hike has also left motorists across the state disgruntled. A Bengaluru biker expressed his frustration to news agency ANI, saying, "The rich can afford petrol, but where will we go? I work at a BPO and will now have to spend Rs 15,000 on petrol... This will greatly affect us."

As the new prices take effect, both political leaders and everyday commuters continue to voice their concerns and criticisms over the financial impact of the increased fuel costs.