The Hindu : National : ``Control kerosene price''

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Thursday, Nov 17, 2005

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National

``Control kerosene price''

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) has expressed concern over reduction in kerosene supplies, resulting in severe shortage and massive price increase.

"The Centre is permitting such a situation in order to control the losses of public sector oil companies in the context of the rising international price of crude oil,'' the AIDWA's central executive committee that met here on Tuesday said. There is also a move to introduce differential pricing for LPG and kerosene.

However, instead of hurting the ordinary citizens, the Government should put in place alternative policies that include a complete overhauling of the existing tax structure for petroleum products, a statement issued at the end of the meeting said.

The current shortage had led to kerosene price rising between Rs. 35 and Rs. 50 a litre in the black-market.

As a result, 10 litres cost more than a LPG cylinder in many places. Women were also put to greater hardship owing to LPG shortage and increasing prices of essential commodities, the statement pointed out.

`Outrageous'

The association has strongly protested against the "outrageous" statement reportedly made by Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar that if women reduced their expenditure on saris and films, the Rs. 100 hike could be easily managed.

Demanding that the Centre take immediate steps to ensure adequate supply of kerosene through the PDS, the AIDWA said it must step in to take stern measures against those indulging in black-marketing .

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