Congress against govt taking on the burden of petrol prices

Despite admitting that UPA's "greatest criticism" comes on the issue of price rise, Congress has disfavoured the government taking on the burden of petrol prices, noting that it "may not be sound economics".

"The government has decontrolled the price of petrol while it still provides subsidy for diesel and cooking gas. It may not be sound economics to keep on taking the burden for petrol prices while there is an ever increasing demand for petrol vehicles," it said.

In an editorial piece in the latest issue of party journal Congress Sandesh, it noted that the increasing demand for the vehicles was because of the "increased affluence" of the middle class.

The journal said among the "greatest criticism" faced by the government today is the rise in prices. "No doubt enhanced prices affect the budget of one and all. The greatest effect is felt by the poorer sections of society".

Stressing that some of these happenings are not of the government's doing, it said the ever rising prices of petroleum products is due to the increase in crude prices internationally.

"Prices can only be kept lower by providing subsidies which would deprive the government of resources for other development projects," it felt.

Besides, it said the rising prices of some of the food commodities especially vegetables and onions currently are "out of the control" of the central government.

"The question which the opposition is not answering is, that if they think they could have done better, then why the price of these vegetables is not under better control in the opposition-controlled states".

Noting that the affected common man is not concerned as to who is to blame and is concerned about making both ends meet, it said the centre is seized of the matter and is doing all under its control to bring down the prices.