BJP for rollback of petrol price hike

New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) BJP today demanded rollback of theincrease in petrol prices, saying the seventh hike in the lastsix months was totally unjustified and loot of the common man.

"This hike is totally unjustified. This is nothing butloot of the common man by the government. A product whichcosts Rs 30 is being sold at Rs 60, which is a 100 per centtaxation. We call for its rollback," BJP spokesperson PrakashJavadekar said.

He said the ground of under-recovery by the oil companiescited by the government as the reason for the hike is nottrue.

"This is the seventh hike in the last six months. Onlylast month there was an increase of Rs 3 per litre.... oilcompanies are earning profits and giving dividends while stillshowing under-recovery," Javadekar said.

He expressed fear that now even diesel prices may go up.

State-owned oil companies today raised petrol prices by Rs2.50-Rs 2.54 per litre citing international crude oil prices,which climbed to USD 92 per barrel.

"Food inflation is at 18 per cent while inflation is at9 per cent. This is the worst gift that a government can giveto the people in New Year," Javadekar said.