Kerala urges Centre to reduce petroleum prices

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (UNI) Kerala today urged the Centre to reduce the prices of petroleum products in the wake of fall in crude prices in the international market from 147 to 55 dollars per barrel.

Taking strong exception to the statement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the prices of petroleum products could not be reduced until the oil companies recouped their losses, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said at a cabinet briefing, ''it is a challenge to the people.'' The Centre's stand was clear that it was not going to help the people who were reeling under the price rise of essential commodities, Mr Achuthanandan added.

UNI CGV PMM SW AS1737