Petro price hike: Rollback rejected

New Delhi, Jul 3 : Lok Sabha's Budget Session on Thursday began on a turbulant note with demands of a roll back from the hike in petrol and diesek prices by non-Congress parties, including UPA allies DMK and Trinamool Congress, which was rejected by the Centre.

The issue surfaced in the House as soon as it met, with Samajwadi Party and Left parties leading the attack on the government for raising the price of petrol by Rs 4 and diesel by Rs 2. They were backed by members from BJP, Shiv Sena, RJD, BSP and TDP.

The furore forced two adjournments during the Question Hour.

Prior to the last adjournment, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora rueld out the demands for roll back, saying the suggestions would be considered "suitably" if there is a fall in the international crude prices.

"In view of the continuous rise in global crude prices, a marginal increase had become unavoidable," he argued and said the petrol price was raised by "only" Rs four against Rs 6.9 as desired and diesel price by "only" Rs two against Rs 4.11 "keeping in mind the interests of 'aam aadmi' (common man)."

--IBNS