New Delhi, May 15 -- Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai on Friday strongly criticised the Centre over the recent fuel price hike, alleging that the burden of economic decisions was being passed on to common citizens while benefiting select interests.

Reacting to the increase in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each, Rai questioned the government's past energy policies and accused it of failing to pass on the benefits of cheaper crude imports to the public.

"When petrol and diesel prices were at their lowest, cheap oil was bought from Russia; the nation gained no benefit. Now, excise duty on exports has been cut, but the burden has been placed on the poor," Rajeev Rai told ANI.

He further said the government must clarify its priori...