New Delhi: A day after the steepest hike of Rs 7.50 per litre in petrol prices, the Central government on Thursday came under immense pressure for at least a partial rollback from opposition as well as key allies such as DMK, Trinamool and NCP, and even Congress.
Angry over the move, the Trinamool Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the DMK on Thursday skipped an important Cabinet meet held at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence.
This came after key allies like the TMC and the DMK said that they were not consulted on the hike while Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to reconsider the decision.
"We have made a commitment to support this government and that is the reason we are not moving out. But our support does not mean that we cannot protest. We believe that the government is being unjust, it's one sided and not correct," said Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Meanwhile, as the opposition hit the street over the steep price hike, the Congress also went in damage control mode and distanced itself, demanding a rollback. According to sources, the Congress wants the rollback to be in the range of Rs 3-5. The government, however, is likely to go ahead with a cut of around Rs 2-2.50 per litre.
However, a final decision in this regard will be taken by Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy.
The Congress argument is that the timing of the petrol price hike was wrong as it came just a day after the Parliament's Budget Session came to an end and two days after the United Progressive Alliance Government completed three years in power.
The Opposition is already fuming, demanding a rollback. The NDA has called for a nationwide bandh on May 31 but the Congress termed the move 'misleading'. Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "It is a very difficult decision taken by oil companies. The companies are compelled to take such decisions due to a rise in the dollar. The NDA should not misguide the country by going on a strike. They know the situation of the country."
Left parties on Thursday staged protests against the hike in petrol price. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa also demanded an immediate rollback of the hike.
In Delhi, petrol pump owners sought additional security fearing violence. Many pumps also put a cap on sales. Public anger over the decision was evident, with protests in many cities.
Meanwhile, in wake of the protest against the decision to hike the petrol prices, it looks unlikely that Diesel, Kerosene and LPG prices will go up soon. The Empowered group of ministers meeting, which has been deferred five times in last few months, may again be postponed.
Fuel price in some major cities
Interactive graph: Fuel price hike 1989 to 2012
Quick calculator: What the Rs 7.5 petrol price hike will add to your monthly fuel bill
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