"At a time when inflation is skyrocketing due to continuous increase in the price of petroleum products, the hike in railway freight tariff by the Centre is akin to adding fuel to fire," Jayalalithaa said in a statement here.
Criticising the 'dynamic pricing policy' being followed by the Centre in classifying railway freight tariff under 'busy and lean season' categories, she said the classification was artificial and unjustified.
When the cost of food products is already witnessing a continuous increase, the hike in railway tariff will have a spiraling effect and lead to further inflation, she said.