SC to consider issue of different oil prices for different states

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) The Supreme Court today decided to consider the issue whether oil companies can fix different prices for different states in the country on their own.

A bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justice RV Raveendran also stayed the proceedings pending in Kerala High Court and issued notices to the Kerala government.

Earlier, Attorney General of India Milon K Banerjee mentioned the matter before the apex court and contended that the petitions pending before the Kerala High Court should be transferred to this court and the Supreme Court should decide the issue as it is of great public importance and has nationwide impact on petrol and diesel prices in the country.

According to the Central government, oil companies cannot fix their own prices in different states as it leads to difference in petrol prices from state to state. For example, petrol prices in Kerala are the highest in the country.

The Kerala High Court had earlier held that oil companies can fix the petrol prices on their own. The Central government has come in appeal against the order of the Kerala High Court.

UNI AKS/SC AM RP HS1630