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Diesel price decision within 15 days, says Ram Naik

Petroleum Minister Ram Naik today said that the decision over the diesel prices will be taken within the next 15 days, taking into consideration the price fluctuations in the international market.

''The diesel prices might go up or remain stable depending upon the price fluctuations in international market since they had risen after the government last increased the domestic diesel prices on October 5,'' Naik said in Bombay.

He said since 1997, the government under the prime ministership of Inder Kumar Gujral had adopted the policy that the domestic prices of diesel will be fixed on the basis of import parity formula; it was decided that the domestic prices will be reviewed as per the fluctuations of diesel prices in the international market.

''We import 70 per cent of the diesel from other countries. Therefore, fluctuations in the international market would have its effect in the domestic diesel prices also,'' Naik pointed out. He said that 30 per cent of the total crude oil used is being produced in the country. ''A similar trend of price rise will continue till we are able to produce 50 per cent of diesel required in our country,'' he added.

He said the prices of cooking gas would be hiked before the financial year ends. The government has provided high subsidy for the kerosene with a view to help the poor. However, the facility does not reach the poor due to those who resort to adulteration by mixing diesel with kerosene, he pointed out.

The government will soon launch an agitation against such adultrators and take strict action against the guilty.

Also, the cooking gas--LPG cylinders are being used in the private cars with a view to take advantage of the price subsidy on it, he said adding that this is illegal and tantamount to perpetrating social injustice.

UNI

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