Left parties criticise govt over petrol, diesel prices

The Left parties have lashed out at the Centre for not being able to "control" the price hike of petrol and diesel.

"(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and his government have completely failed to control the prices of petrol and diesel. Why are petrol and diesel prices going up? They say, it depends on the international prices, but then, why did they not lower the prices when they were down in the international market? The oil companies are being given a huge autonomy and the government is not taking any responsibility," CPI leader D Raja told reporters today.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had also criticised the prime minister yesterday, saying the people of the country had to pay more for petrol and diesel, even though the prices were down in the international market.

"This is clearly not an April Fools joke. While crude oil prices are half of its all-time high, Indians are being made to pay the highest ever price for diesel and petrol. Being taxed for Modi's tamashas and advertising (sic)," he had tweeted.

The Left parties have also cautioned the government that the people of the country would give a suitable reply to its anti-people policies in next year's Lok Sabha election.