Petrol, diesel price hike didn’t hit common man: Oil Minister Pradhan

NEW DELHI: Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the increases in fuel prices in recent weeks amid a nationwide protest by the Congress over the issue on Monday. Pradhan said the national as well as global economy was going through a challenging time and that it had impacted the demand and supply of fuel across the world.
“Due to lockdown there was 70 per cent reduction in demand for petrol and diesel in April and May. With resumed economic activity, demand is coming back towards normal,” said Pradhan. “In such a scenario, the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices has not impacted the common man. When a problem comes in a family, the person carefully manages the finances to meet the future challenges. The hike in fuel price should be seen like this.”

Pradhan said the extra money collected through taxes on fuel was being spent on health, employment and ensuring economic security of the people of the country.

“Under the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Scheme, we have provided Rs. 1,70,000 crore under several schemes for poor and farmers.

We are depositing cash in their bank accounts, giving six months free ration and free LPG cylinder for three months,” said Pradhan. “Sonia Gandhi and Congress cannot digest the welfare of poor people,” he said, slamming the opposition party and its president.