Govt trying to control petrol, diesel scarcity: Modi

Patna, Jul 7: Expressing concern over the general scarcity of petrol and diesel in the market, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi today assured to take measures to check the scarcity.

After meeting the visiting delegation of Bihar Petroleum Dealers Association (BPDA), Mr Modi admitted that the common people were suffering because of the price hike of petroleum products while the companies were taking advantage of the situation and making huge profits.

Mr Modi said he would soon convene a meeting of the representatives of the petroleum companies to discuss the situation and possible remedies.

He said steps would be taken to ensure that the petroleum companies ensured regular supply of general diesel and petrol to the consumers through their dealers.

He assured to protect the interests of the consumers at any cost.

Meanwhile, the BPDA apprised Mr Modi of the situation, saying that a profit of Rs five per litre was being earned on branded petrol in the name of price rise whereas the Centre had enhanced the price of only general petrol and diesel.

The BPDA representatives stated that the prices of branded petrol and diesel were fixed unilaterally by the petroleum companies, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.

In order to earn more profit, general diesel and petrol was not being supplied, the BPDA informed.

In view of the international price situation of raw petroleum and consistent increase in the price in the international market, the oil companies were forcing the dealers to stop the sale of branded petrol and diesel to balance the losses incurred by them, the BPDA alleged.

UNI