Trinamool disappointed with petrol price hike, demands rollback

Kolkata : Trinamool Congress supremo and West BengaL Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday expressed her “disappointment” over the announcement of a petroleum price hike, and demanded an immediate rollback of the raised rates.

Banerjee also lashed out at the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance – where her party Trinamool Congress is the second largest constituent – for not discussing the matter with the allies. She demanded that the central government henceforth engage all political parties in wider consultations to chalk out future line of action to tackle inflation.

India’s oil marketing companies Monday announced a hike in petrol prices by 70 paise a litre, with effect from midnight, citing rising international oil prices and decline in the rupee’s value.

“The Trinammool Congress is extremely disappointed with the price rise of petrol. We don’t support this price rise of petrol. We protest this decision. We want an immediate rollback of the decision,” Banerjee was quoted as saying in a statement by Trinamool lawmaker Kunal Ghosh.

Banerjee asked the central government not to increase the petroleum prices as it puts additional pressure on the masses who are currently reeling under inflation.

The firebrand leader said the decision has been taken “unilaterally” by the Central government without any discussion with the allies especially Trinamool.

“It has not been discussed with us. The tactics to increase oil prices on frequently is not a solution. It only puts a burden on the common man who are currently suffering due to inflation,” Banerjee stated.

She also demanded that henceforth the central government engage all the political parties in chalking out a solution to tackle the price rise of essentials and containing the oil rate hike.

Earlier on many occasions, the mercurial Banerjee had opposed the oil price hike and had even threatened to quit the government if the prices are not rates were not rolled back.