The Hindu : Kerala News : Hike is along expected lines, say petrol dealers

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Thursday, Jun 05, 2008
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Kerala

Kerala

Hike is along expected lines, say petrol dealers

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: While the dealers of petroleum products feel that there is nothing abnormal in the increase in the prices of petroleum products, trade and industry have sharply reacted to the hike. A demand for slashing the taxes on petroleum products has been raised by representatives of trade bodies. All Kerala IOC Distributors Association president George Mathew said the hike was expected. It was a known fact that the oil companies won’t be able to go ahead without imposing a hike in the prices.

Though the increase in LPG price is Rs.50, it should not be forgotten that the rise is meant for 14 kg of gas, unlike petrol which carries a hike per litre. The prices of LPG had not been increased for over three years.

He also notes that if the difference between the subsidised and non-subsidised LPG narrows down, the scope for malpractices would come down. He also welcomed the proposed restriction on the number of cylinders for supply. Those who could afford should be ready to pay for the extra cylinders, he said. The All Kerala Petroleum Dealers Association leader David Mookken too expressed a similar opinion. A higher rate of hike had been expected, he said.

The government had taken the decision after deliberations and the chances for another hike in the next few months would be remote.

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