PMK, Left for roll-back of petrol price hike

In a statement, he said “the Centre has raised prices of Rs 2.83 for petrol and Rs 2.18 per litre (in Chennai) after 40 days. According to the Centre, it is at a compelling circumstance to raise the prices, as the crude oil’s price in the International market has increased to five dollars from the existing rate and the value of the rupee has slipped against the dollar.” 

“Though it could be a fact, was it necessary for the Centre to hike it now?” he questioned. The PMK leader noted that the hike in petrol and diesel prices would add fuel to the fire of inconvenience which was started by the  Centre’s decision to discontinue Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from circulation. “Union government must roll back the hike” he stressed. 

“The Centre is continuously targeting common people by taking blatant decisions. Going by the present scenario, the Centre has been adding financial burdens on the people,” said G Ramakrishnan, state secretary, CPM. He came down heavily on the Centre for its detrimental decisions.  He also said that still people were struggling to come out from the demonetisation issue and in such a circumstances, the Centre has added another trouble to the people. “Roll-back of the increase at this juncture is inevitable,” Ramakrishnan stressed. 

Similarly, R Mutharasan, state secretary, CPI, also criticised the Centre for increasing the prices. “The Centre must understand the common people’s issues and withdraw the increase  in petroleum product prices,” he said.