CPM opposes Centre's move to deregulate diesel

JAMMU: Terming the Centre's decision to allow oil marketing companies to hike diesel prices as "anti-people", Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI(M) today said the move will have a a cascading effect on overall market prices.

"There is a dire need in the country for reforms in the oil sector and the deregulation of diesel at this stage will have a disastrous effect on common people, who are already reeling under the burden of price rise," state Secretary CPI(M) Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said.

The move needs to be condemned by one and all, he said. Tarigami said the decision will lead to continuous increase in diesel price, just as it happened with the petrol after deregulation.

"This price rise is bound to have a terrible impact on transport costs and thus will lead to further inflation," he said.

On the decision to raise LPG cylinder cap from six to nine a year, the CPM leader said that the decision offers little relief to the people.

As far as states like Jammu and Kashmir are concerned, the Union government must reconsider its decision, keeping in view the climatic and geographical conditions people are living in here, Tarigami added.

"In absence of any other alternative fuel, LPG is the most essential commodity needed in every household of the state during the chilly winters of Kashmir. The Union government must reconsider its decision and raise the subsidy cap to 12 per year," Tarigami demanded.