Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: BJP and its allies on Tuesday defended the recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, arguing that despite the global energy crisis triggered by tensions in West Asia, fuel costs in India remain comparatively lower than in many countries.
The reactions came after state-run oil marketing companies revised fuel prices for the second time in less than a week amid a sharp rise in international crude oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region and concerns over disruptions in global oil supply routes.
Following the latest revision, the price of petrol increased by 86 paise per litre while diesel became costlier by 83 paise per litre.
Several BJP leaders maintained that although the global crisis has impacted economies across the world, India has managed the situation relatively better and urged citizens to conserve fuel in line with appeals made earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also attributed the rise in fuel prices to the worsening global situation and disruption in energy supply routes. “There is a global crisis. The Strait of Hormuz is blocked. There is a large-scale shortage of oil and gas worldwide. Only in India, the minimum burden is being placed on the public,” Hussain said.
Speaking to IANS, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad said India continues to remain in a comparatively stable position despite the growing crisis in West Asia.
Babulal Marandi, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, said that rising fuel prices are a global phenomenon linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said the Government has tried to minimise the impact of the international crisis on ordinary citizens despite heavy losses suffered by oil companies.
