No hike in LPG, kerosene price for now, says Centre
Union oil minister said government would decide on policies keeping the interests of the country
New Delhi: Union oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that there will be no immediate hike in the prices of LPG and kerosene and that the government will continue with the policy of subsidising commonly used cooking fuels.
“There will no increase in LPG and kerosene prices for now. We will continue with the extant pricing policy,” he said.
The minister said that besides continuing to subsidise LPG and kerosene, the NDA government would also not disrupt the UPA government’s policy of up to 50 paise a litre increase in diesel price every month. “The Modi government has come to power riding on hopes of millions of poor and would work in their interest,” he said.
The government heavily subsidises LPG and kerosene. The LPG price was last hiked in June 2011 when it went up by a steep '50 per 14.2kg cylinder. Current subsidy on kerosene is ' 33.07 per litre.
Mr Pradhan said that the government would decide on policies keeping the interests of the country, its poor, youth and women in mind.
He, however, added that continuing subsidies does not mean the government will not pursue reforms. “Subsidies and reforms can co-exist.” He said the Centre is focused on improving domestic oil and gas production.