 "CPI-M criticizes govt over hike in diesel, petrol prices")
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Saturday criticized the central government's decision to increase petrol and diesel prices, and termed it as a move against the common man.
Petrol prices were hiked by 75 paise per litre and diesel by 50 paise per litre by oil companies on Friday.
CPI-M leader Nilotpal Basu said, "The increase in the prices of petrol and diesel is anti-people, and this is clear that just to come out of the situation, the government is trying to burden the people."
The current price of petrol in Delhi is Rs 71.50 per litre, which would be increased to Rs 72.25 per litre, whereas, the prices of diesel would also increase from Rs 53.80 per litre to Rs 54.30.
The new rates are excluding local sales tax or VAT and will come into effect by midnight.
Meanwhile, a commuter in New Delhi was optimistic and expressed hopes from the newly inducted Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal.
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"We should have to wait for some more time as Kejriwal is running the government honestly, so I think in next step he should think and revive and see what best can be done in order to reduce the prices of petrol, diesel as well as for the CNG," said Vikas, a daily commuter in New Delhi.
This is the twelfth increase in the prices of petrol since last January. The last revision of petrol prices was made on December 21 by 41 paise a litre.