The government's three key allies Samajwadi Party, RJD and DMK along with Left parties and BJP on Friday demanded reduction of diesel and LPG prices in view of the decrease in the cost of international crude by nearly $100 over last few months.
In the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party member Ramji Lal Suman raised the matter, saying the cut of Rs two effected by the government in diesel prices was not enough and it should be reduced by at least Rs 10.
He said the government had raised the price of diesel earlier by arguing that the cost of international crude had increased, touching $137 in July.
The price of international crude has now fallen to $42 but the government has reduced the price of diesel by only Rs 2, which is negligible, he said.
Devendra Prasad Yadav of RJD and members of Left parties associated themselves
The SP member accused the government of caring for companies and not the consumers. He said there should be a long-term policy on petroleum pricing in the country to reduce impact of volatility of prices in international markets.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Suryakanta Patil said the sentiments of the members would be conveyed to the Ministry concerned.
In the Rajya Sabha, DMK member Kanimozhi raised the issue of petroleum prices, saying it would be a great relief to the middle class if the cooking gas prices which were hiked by Rs 50 per cylinder are brought back to the previous level.
Her demand was supported by BJP and Left members who wanted an immediate response from the government.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanaswamy said that the government would send its response to the member concerned.
