TMC slams govt for hiking PDS kerosene price

Opposition TMC on Tuesady attacked the government for raising the price of kerosene sold through the PDS every month, saying the decision had put "intolerable" burden on the poor.

Since July, the government has authorised oil companies to raise kerosene price by 25 paisa a litre every month for the next 10 months to cut subsidies. Also, oil firms have been permitted to raise subsidised cooking gas prices by up to Rs 2 per cylinder.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (TMC) said the government has not cared to inform the House about the decision taken when the Parliament is in session.

The second increase in kerosene price was effected on Monday and has created an "intolerable situation for poor," he said, adding that the government must inform why such a decision was taken.

TMC members also shouted slogans against the price hike and sought a response from the government.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked the treasury benches if the government would like to react, but getting no response he remarked "Government is not reacting."

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was not present in the House when the issue was raised.