Government not planning to raise diesel prices, Oil Minister

Government not planning to raise diesel prices, Oil MinisterIndia’s Petroleum Minister, S. Jaipal Reddy has indicated that the government is not planning to raise diesel prices in the country.

He also expressed that the prices of LPG and kerosene are not likely to be increased. The issue was discussed at an Inter Ministerial Group meeting on inflation. He did not comment on the prospects of a partial roll back in the hike in petrol prices in the country.

A central government panel headed by the union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was expected to discuss possible hike in the prices of diesel, liquified petroleum gas and kerosene in the country following the highest ever hike of in petrol prices. The government is facing increasing pressure from its allies, the opposition and the public over the hike in petrol prices by as much as Rs 7.50.

We are not considering hiking prices of diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene. It is out of question right now,” said Oil Minister, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy. The Chief Economic Adviser, Dr Kaushik Basu was also present at the inter-ministerial grouping on inflation.

“It was only a meeting of the inter-ministerial group to look at the question of inflation. I was requested to come and offer my insights before they finalise their group recommendations,” Reddy said.