'Atrocious' says BJP of diesel price decision

"People are already reeling under price rise. They expect relief," party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

The government, instead of providing relief, is increasing prices, he said, adding: "First they raise rail fares and now diesel. This is atrocious".

Javadekar said, this is happening as the government does not have any policy. There is "complete chaos". "When diesel prices are raised, there is a cascading effect on other prices," he said.

The BJP leader said that farmers would be the worst affected as they use diesel to run both pumps and tractors. "Fertilizer prices will also rise," he said.

"By allowing oil marketing companies to hike diesel prices, they (the government) are trying to hide facts from the people," he said.

On the raising of the cap on subsidised LPG cylinders, he said, "The whole issue is a farce".

"What is to celebrate in this? Since independence, consumers were getting as many cylinders as they could use at subsidised rates. This is nothing but an effort to raise prices under a different disguise. BJP seeks amendment to this rationing," he said.

The cabinet has approved a proposal to raise to nine the ceiling on subsidized cooking gas cylinders and allowed public sector firms to hike diesel prices from "time to time".

Indo-Asian News Service

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