Hike in petroleum products unbearable, says Shanta

Mandi, June 6 (UNI) Former Union Minister Shanta Kumar today criticised the UPA Government at the Centre for hiking the prices of petrol by Rs four and diesel by Rs two, saying the hike was ''excessive and unbearable''.

"The hike will not only raise the inflation, but will also have a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities,'' he said, while addressing a press conference here.

Mr. Kumar said the government had lost all control over the country's economy despite the Prime Minister being a noted economist himself.

Drawing a contrast between the present and the previous NDA government, he said the UPA government did not take into consideration what effect the hike in prices of petroleum products would have on the common man.

In contrast, the previous government monitored the prices of essential commodities besides taking remedial steps to keep them under control, he said.

Replying to a question, he criticised the Left Parties for their proposed nationwide protest on June 13 against the hike and said since they were a part of the government, they too have to share the blame.

''If they are against the price hike, the best course for them is to force the government to take back the hike or withdraw support,'' he said, alleging that the Left was fooling the public on the issue.

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