Falling oil prices not benefiting people: CPI(M)

CPI(M) today said falling oil prices in the global market are not benefiting the people in the country as the government is trying to increase its revenue earnings before the budget.
"Oil prices are falling in the international market. These have decreased three times from the earlier rates. But the government has increased it nine times since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken over," CPI(M) Secretary General Sitaram Yechury said outside Parliament.
Crude oil prices have sunk in the international market due to oversupply and stronger US dollar effect.
Taking on the government for not passing on the benefit of low crude prices, the CPI(M) leader said, "It has become clear that the government is increasing its earning before the budget. Excise duty was raised again yesterday which will increase the burden on the public.

"They want to increase their revenue before the budget. People are already suffering from the increased prices and the government is adding more burden on the public. We will oppose it."
Yechury said when the oil prices are coming down globally people of India should get the benefit of it.

On the ongoing logjam in Parliament, he said, "The Modi government has not convened an all-party meeting yet. If they (BJP) think that by making any understading with Congress will help then it will not be accepted by the rest of the political parties. There will be no consensus on it."

He said the ruling party has the responsibility to run the House.
On Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that CBI has been asked to target the opposition, he said, "There are allegations of corruption in DDCA. So there should be a probe at a higher level so that the truth comes out. This is our demand. If there are allegations then there must be a probe to make it clear.