Date:23/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/23/stories/2007112362281600.htm

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“Sonia against oil price hike”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Despite a record rise in the global crude oil price during the last year, the government had not raised domestic fuel prices under the direction of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, according to Petroleum Minister Murli Deora.

Replying to a question on the issue in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Mr. Deora said: “I have no hesitation in saying that the UPA chairperson had directed us to see that petroleum product prices do not increase and we are trying to do just that.”

Mr. Deora said despite a marked increase in price of crude oil to nearly $100 per barrel a day from the $40 to $45 last year, the government had not increased prices even by one rupee. Petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene are at the same price level as last year, the Minister said.

To another query, Mr. Deora said punitive action would be taken against companies for not completing the committed work programme in areas awarded to them under the New Exploration Licensing Policy since 2000.

Stating that India was committed to the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, Mr. Deora said there were certain issues, including transportation and transit fee that needed to be sorted out before any further progress on the issue.

“No LPG shortage”

On LPG availability, Mr. Deora said there was no overall shortage, including in Kerala.