New Delhi, February 10
The Congress-led UPA government today began consultations with its allies to prepare for a “minimal hike” in petroleum prices sometime in future. But with public sentiments running high on the issue and the BJP and Left in the attack mode, party sources said no decision on the issue was taken by the Congress core group that met this evening.
Petroleum Minister Murli Deora held consultations with UPA’s partners, including key allies DMK and Trinamool on the subject. Deora met Telecom Minister and DMK leader A Raja and talked to Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee to explain the situation and build consensus for increasing petrol and diesel prices and marginally increasing kerosene and LPG rates.
The sources said both Raja and Banerjee were non-commital on the proposal and were believed to have told Deora that they would be able to take a position only after consultaions within respective parties. Deora apparently wants around Rs 4 hike in petrol, Re one for diesel and could settle for Rs 25 per LPG cylinder and Re one for kerosene.
