Veerappa Moily slams centre for sadistically hiking fuel prices amidst COVID-19

Last updated on February 14th, 2023 at 11:27 am

On Monday, Senior Congress leader, Veerappa Moily slammed centre for hiking the fuel prices at frequent intervals. He accused the BJP-led government of fleecing the people especially at the distressing time of COVID-19 pandemic. Former Petroleum minister’s statement critical of the government’s price rise policy came on the day, when petrol pricesrose by 33 paise per litre and diesel by 58 paise.

It took the petroleum retail prices to a record high as the oil companies decided to shoot upthe prices for the 16th time in a row, contrary to the oil prices in the international market, which once touched the negative territory. Though not in negative anymore, but at present the international the crude oil rates are still low at about USD 40 per barrel mark.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic which is creeping day by day and the deflation in the economy, the government is fleecing the people of the country and making them shed tears,” Moily said in a statement.

“It is sadistic on the part of the Modi government to increase the prices of petrol and diesel despite the slump in crude prices at the cost of the sufferings of the people of India,” the former petroleum minister said.

“In 16 days, petrol price has been hiked by Rs 8.3 per litre and diesel by Rs 9.46, a record increase in rates of the fuel in any fortnight since pricing was deregulated,” Moily added.

As per the price notification issued by state oil marketing companies, Petrol price in Delhi was went up to Rs 79.56 per litre from Rs 79.23 while diesel rates were shot up to Rs 78.55 a litre from Rs 78.27. The prices vary from state to state due to varying local tax.

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Besides, the Congress leader blamed the government-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for India’s deteriorating diplomatic ties with its neighbours and allies including China, Nepal, Pakistan, even US. Reacting to US President Donald Trump’s decision to stop issuing H1B visas, Moily said, “The action amounts to total diplomatic failure on the part of the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is surprising how India is losing steeply in its influence with US administration despite the pomp and grandeur displayed during the ‘Howdy Modi’ show in Houston and replicated at the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Ahmedabad.”