The Hindu : Front Page : Deora holds talks with Left parties on oil prices

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Friday, Jan 04, 2008
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Deora holds talks with Left parties on oil prices

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: With the international crude oil prices touching the $100 a barrel mark and the government coming under increasing pressure to hike fuel prices, the United Progressive Alliance government has initiated talks with the Left parties to arrive at a consensus before the crucial meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) later this month.

“Hiking fuel prices is not the only solution. We have not talked about any price hike despite the crude oil prices touching a record $100 yesterday. Our aim is not to burden the common man but find a solution acceptable to all and for this we have opened a dialogue with our Left partners,” Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora said here on Thursday.

Mr. Deora said that apart from a price hike, other options such as excise duty cut on auto fuel were being looked into, as has been suggested by the Left parties.

“We will make an effort to arrive at some kind of decision by the end of this month. The Union Cabinet will take a final decision on the issue after holding consultations at various levels,” he stated.

Mr. Deora said he had already held talks with Left leaders, including Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury.

Suggestions

“The Left parties have been very cooperative. They have made certain suggestions and have assured they would assist in finding a solution for the present crisis-like situation,” he said. The Communist Party of India has stated that it will oppose any attempt to hike fuel prices.

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