Indian state-run oil firms Wednesday announced the sharpest
ever hike in petrol prices to offset growing losses caused by subsidized rates,
rises in the international oil price and a sinking rupee. Petrol prices are hiked by Rs. 7.54. The increase is put at
6.28 rupees excluding local sales tax or VAT which will mean a 7.54-rupee hike
for consumers in cities such as New
Delhi from Thursday including taxes.
Yesterday's price (Rs)
|
Today's price (Rs)
|
|
65.64
|
73.18
|
|
Mumbai
|
70.65
|
78.57
|
Chennai
|
69.55
|
77.53
|
Kolkata
|
70.03
|
77.87
|
Country's largest refiner, Indian Oil Corp, in a statement, said it was compelled to hike the price after sustaining losses of 10.5 billion rupees since the start of the current financial year.
"Given the losses being incurred, the company is
compelled to increase the price of petrol by Rs.6.28 per litre (excluding
VAT/Sales Tax) with effect from midnight," it said.
"This excludes losses already suffered till date during
current financial year 2012-13, which would require an additional increase of
around Rs.1.50 per litre in selling price of motor spirit (MS) for balance
part of the year," Indian Oil Corp said.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee upheld that the decision
was taken by oil companies as petrol is a deregulated commodity
The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government
deregulated petrol prices in 2010 in a reform aimed at reducing the massive subsidies
it pays to state-run fuel refiners which rely on imported energy.
NDA to protest
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) opposed the steep
hike and called for a nation wide bandh on May 31.
NDA convenor and Janata Dal (United) President Sharad Yadav said that all the
partners of the opposition alliance have been consulted in this regard and the
alliance will urge other parties also to join in and support the bandh.
He enquired why the hike in petrol prices was not announced when Parliament was in session and why oil companies did so the very next day after the session got over.
"Government has washed his hands off the decision on price hike but in reality it happens only when the Government wants. The Government will also be increasing prices of diesel and LPG after the Presidential elections get over," Yadav said.
He accused the Government of its failure in checking prices of essential commodities.
"Common people are suffering due to wrong policies of the UPA Government. Prices of commodities are rising uncontrollably making it difficult for an average Indian to make both ends meet," he said.
This Government is pro-rich and not bothered about the poor, he charged.
He enquired why the hike in petrol prices was not announced when Parliament was in session and why oil companies did so the very next day after the session got over.
"Government has washed his hands off the decision on price hike but in reality it happens only when the Government wants. The Government will also be increasing prices of diesel and LPG after the Presidential elections get over," Yadav said.
He accused the Government of its failure in checking prices of essential commodities.
"Common people are suffering due to wrong policies of the UPA Government. Prices of commodities are rising uncontrollably making it difficult for an average Indian to make both ends meet," he said.
This Government is pro-rich and not bothered about the poor, he charged.
BJP spokesperson
Prakash Javadekar described the hike in petrol price as “atrocious and unbelievable”
and demanded immediate roll back.
He termed hike in fuel prices as the gift of UPA II
government to common man on its 3rd anniversary.
"If the Rupee is depreciated, it is not the fault of
the people. It is due to wrong economic policies followed by UPA government. It
is the punishment to the people for wrongdoings of UPA," he said.
Mamata against, but not to withdraw support
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized
the hike, calling it unjust and unilateral but simultaneously making it clear
that her party would not withdraw support from UPA Government.
"It is unjust
and unilateral. We think it is an easy option to burden the people. We cannot
accept the price hike burden on the people," Mamata told reporters.
She outrageously questioned why the price was hiked just a
day after Parliament session ended.
She clarified her party was not consulted. "We have not been consulted on
the price hike nor on the prevailing economic situation in the country. Why was
there no consultation?" she said.
Jayalalitha slams Government
AIADMK Supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha
slammed the Congress-led UPA government for hiking petrol price.
In her statement, she said, “It imposes an unbearable burden on the people,
particularly the common people and the middle class is already reeling under
the impact of high inflation. Is this the gift which UPA government wanted to
give the people after completing three years in power?”
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