Assocham welcomes petrol price rise; asks why spare LPG

New Delhi, Jun 05 (UNI) The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) today welcomed the pass-throughs in petroleum and diesel prices which had gone up sky high in the international markets and the oil marketing companies were finding it unable to bear the burden.

'' While it is a bold decision by the government to pass through the increase in oil prices in international prices to the domestic consumers of petrol and diesel, the burden should also have been shared by the LPG users'', Assocham President Anil Kumar Agarwal said here.

He said while kerosene is poorman's fuel, over Rs 1000 crore subsidy given in kerosene should be targeted well and not allowed to benefit those using kersone for adulteration of diesel.

The Assocham President also said though the price rise could have some cascading impact on inflation,it could be neutralised if efficiency of certain sectors like the power plants is increased.

''Besides, the RBI should ensure that the interest rates are kept in check'',he said.

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