Centre cut fuel prices because of state polls, alleges Sena
What's the story
The Centre might have slashed the fuel rates so that the BJP doesn't suffer on the issue in the five poll-bound states, the Shiv Sena alleged on Friday without naming the NDA constituent.
In its editorial mouthpiece Saamana, Sena said instead of giving small relief, the central should share the additional income earned due to high petrol and diesel prices in the past year.
Quote
Sena targeted the BJP in an indirect reference
"The prices may have been cut by the Centre so that it (BJP) does not suffer on the issue of fuel price rise in the Assembly polls in five states including Assam and West Bengal," the Sena alleged.
Details
Petrol, diesel prices were reduced for two consecutive days
The Centre on Thursday slashed the prices of petrol by 21 paise per liter and that of diesel by 20 paise. On Wednesday, the prices were reduced by 18 paise per liter for petrol and 17 paise for diesel, the first reduction in six months.
"One should not forget that the common people will settle the scores when the time comes," Sena added.
Oil prices
Prices have seen a record increase since March last year
The reduction followed the tumbling of international oil prices to the lowest since early February as the second wave of COVID-19 clouded the prospects for a speedy recovery in consumption.
Despite a freeze, prices had gone up by a record Rs. 21.58 per liter on petrol since the government raised excise duty in March 2020. Diesel prices had increased by Rs. 19.18 per liter.
Oil prices
Expect an increase in oil prices again: Sena
Apart from West Bengal and Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are going to polls.
The Shiv Sena also wondered for how long this drop in prices will continue. It said the fuel price was reduced due to the 15 percent drop in oil prices internationally.
"That means the relief given will be temporary if the prices go up tomorrow," the party said.
Information
'Centre not trying to reduce prices despite calls for reduction'
The Shiv Sena also went on to accuse the Centre government of not showing the willpower to reduce petrol and diesel rates for some time now despite the people and the opposition parties raising voices over price rise.