Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, June 16
The government today deferred its decision to hike the oil prices even as the world oil prices crossed the $55 per barrel mark despite OPEC’s decision to raise its official production ceiling.
“The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) deferred a decision on hiking the prices of petrol and diesel in view of the absence of some ministers,” said Finance Minister P Chidambaram after the meeting. Asked if the CCEA might meet on Saturday, he said “possibly.”
The Petroleum Ministry had sought an increase of around Rs 1.50 per litre for both petrol and diesel after interacting with Left parties and alliance partners.
Left parties have been claiming that increase in oil prices are unwarranted and have threatened to launch an agitation if the government goes ahead with the hike.
