NEW DELHI: Residents of the Capital have reacted sharply to the steep increase in the prices of petrol, diesel and CNG, pointing out that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government's has during the past two years raised fuel prices six times.

Household

Terming the hike in fuel prices as totally unjustified, housewife Devika Pathak said the Government must realise that raising prices of diesel and petrol directly affects every household. "While people have to spare more for petrol every month, diesel prices adversely affect the transport sector leading to increase in prices of almost all commodities, including essential items. The Congress has so far failed to prove that it really cared for `aam admi' (common man) as promised in its poll manifesto," she charged.

Residents said that instead of increasing fuel prices repeatedly, the Government should first rationalise high rate of duties and taxes levied on petrol and diesel. "Why should we pay for unnecessary expenses of the Government and oil companies? Before putting burden on us, they should first put their balance sheets in order by cutting wasteful expenditures," said a retired Government employee Hari Prakash, adding that already people were forced to pay through their nose additional cess on tax and service charges, and still the Government wanted more from them.

Extra burden

Similarly, chartered accountant Rajesh Agarwal pointed out that by raising fuel prices, the Government was putting extra burden on people, particularly employees who pay fringe benefit tax (FBT). "Increase in fuel prices will also increase the rate of FBT on both employees and employers. While a majority of employers will pass on the burden to their consumers, employees have no choice but to pay higher tax. And this will be above the duties on fuel," he clarified.

CNG prices

In the wake of the hike in CNG prices, Delhiites feel increase in bus and auto rickshaw fares was imminent.

"I fail to understand the logic behind the hike in CNG prices. The Government should understand that lakhs of people depend on city buses and auto rickshaws. By raising its price also, financial burden on people will only increase. It will be really hard for poor people to cope with rising prices on various commodities," rued Nathu Ram, a peon in a public sector enterprise.

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