FM open to discussion on fuel price

New Delhi, March 1: Amidst the hue and cry over hike in fuel prices, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday, Feb 28 said that he was ready to discuss with allies who were unhappy with price rise.

“I am open to discussions with the coalition partners. I am not saying there will be a roll back, but I am only saying that I am open to discussions," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee's statement came against the backdrop of the Trinamool Congress and DMK' protest against the increase in fule prices.

Calling the protest with the allies as part of the multi-party government, he said that it will not be matter of confrontation with them.

“In a multi-party democracy, we"ve to work with our alliance partners," Mukherjee.

The finance minister said that increase in fule prices was neccessary to control inflation.

“I have to mop up resources. So far as their inflationary impact is concerned, I have calculated that there will be an increase of 0.41% in the WPI," he said.

He added that its impact will be manage within the economy in a matter of time.

However, Mukherjee's firm stand on budgetary proposal got a timely support from its another alliance NCP, who lauded the finance minister's budgetary plan.

“The finance minister has taken into consideration the ground reality," said NCP general secretary Tariq Anwar.

OneIndia News