Govt may restrict subsidised LPG and kerosene to poor

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) In a populist move, the government plans to restrict subsidised domestic cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene to the poor only.

Petroleum Minister Murli Deora today told reporters here that ''We are in agreement with the suggestion that there should be dual pricing (subsidised price for poor and market price for the people who can afford) for cooking fuels." Public sector oil firms sell kerosene at just over Rs 9 a litre, cheaper than a bottle of mineral water.

Kerosene was being subsidised by over Rs 15 a litre while LPG was being sold at a discount of Rs 155 per cylinder.

"Why should subsidised LPG cylinder come to my home or to any other people who can afford it," he said.

The Petroleum Minister's comments came just a day after Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan said there can be a system wherein a subsidy of Rs 150 per cylinder can be fixed and the overall price can be floated in respect to international prices.

The subsidy should be provided only to below poverty line families, Mr Chavan said. He added that the oil ministry must device a mechanism for subsidies to reach the targeted people.

UNI