Govt Rules Out Petrol, Diesel Price Hike After Assembly Polls
"There is no proposal to increase petrol and diesel prices," Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said at a news briefing on the fallout of developments in West Asia.
New Delhi: The Centre said it had no plan to raise petrol and diesel prices, a senior official said on Tuesday, dismissing speculation of a hike after polling in West Bengal ended on Wednesday.
Retail petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged for a record fourth year. It was suspected that the Centre would revise the prices after the polls, especially in view of the West Asia conflict pushing up crude oil costs up more than 50 per cent.
“There is no proposal to increase petrol and diesel prices,” Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas. “We have seen panic buying in some places. We are in continuous contact with state governments in all these places. All retail outlets are being monitored and supplies are being prioritised (at petrol pumps witnessing increased buying) so that stock availability is ensured and there are no dry-outs,” she said.
“We have enough supplies of LPG, petrol and diesel. Prices are stable and there has been no increase in rates,” she said. “I want to urge everyone to please don't believe in rumours. Avoid panic buying and rely on official sources for information.”
