STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Expressing grave concern on rapid and continuous increase in the prices of petrol and diesel, the former Minister J&K and Senior Congress leader, Yogesh Sawhney on Saturday said that fuel prices have rallied to an all-time high after seeing a significant increase for four consecutive days. In a press statement issued here, the Congress leaders said that it is an uncontrolled and unreasonable price hike that has further dented Indian households and hit their budgets. Pertinent to mention here that Petrol prices have crossed Rs 100 mark in most areas and have gone up to Rs 107 per liter in Jammu. “Rising prices of fuel and essential commodities have broken back of common people and this trend has been continuing for over more than a year. Despite relentless pursuits of reduced and reasonable prices by common man, the Government has taken zero action,” said Sawhney, adding that for most households, as prices continue to peak, it an added stress during the festival season. It has taken a toll on their daily lives and public is hugely outraged by the policies and practices of the Government that have caused unprecedented price hike.
Sawhney also reacted strongly to the statement of an Uttar Pradesh Minister from BJP who said that ’95 per cent of Indians do not need petrol at all and only a handful people use four-wheelers’. Terming the statement as highly illogical and foolish, Sawhney said prices of essential commodities depend on fuel prices. “Impact of high fuel prices is not just limited to vehicle owners. People who do not own a vehicle or even a business that requires use of petrol and diesel are affected by rising prices. While vehicle owners have been forced to reduce their fuel consumption, people from poorer sections of society are finding it hard to even buy daily groceries – all because of higher fuel prices,” he maintained.