Cut in Petrolium Products prices is a cruel joke- Chandumajra
CHANDIGARH: Terming the cut in prices of Petroleum Products as “cruel joke” with consumers, Shiromani Akali Dal General Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra said this reduction is “insufficient and mere a eyewash” in comparison of heavy slump in crude oil prices in the international market. In a press statement released, here on Saturday, Prof. Chandumajra alleged that the Congress led Union Government was playing in the hands of giant and multi national companies instead of watching the common man interests. He alleged that UPA Government in the center has betrayed the people of the country by not to adequate cut in petroleum products costs as it promised in the Parliament to link these costs with crude oil prices in the international market. He said that Petroleum Products prices in the country are still hovering when in international market the crude oil prices are slumped to $39 per barrel from $148. Prof, Chandumajra charged that costs of Petroleum Products in the country are not being reduced according to crude oil price index so that giant Petroleum Companies can make huge profits and in return give the big amounts to the Congress Party as election fund legally and under the table. He said this is the only reason that despite of heavy and persistence falls in crude oil prices in international market the oil prices are, even now, flying high in the domestic market. The Akali leader also demanded a high level probe in the dubious figures, projected by domestic Petroleum Companies and on pretext of which the Union Government make a slight reduction the costs, by a joint committee comprising Members of Parliament and economic experts. He said that the figurer of 100 crores as a deficit mentioned by the oil companies is in contradiction with their annual reports depicting the hefty profits.”In reply to a question; the Union Government had itself presented the data showing profit to the Oil Companies in the Parliament”, he claimed.Chandumajra suggested that the experts should also analyze the reasons due to which the refining costs per liter in India are much higher than those in the other countries; that too while we invite foreign investment stressing that the lobour in India is much cheaper as compared to the other countries. It is obvious that the Oil Companies are manipulating the figures whenever and wherever it suits them. The Akali leader mentioned that during the financial year 2006-07 the Union Government earned Rs. 93 lac crores on account of sales tax on Petroleum Products; and during the financial year 2007-08 this collection is increased to Rs. one lac crore. It is pertinent to mention here that the total collection in the country from sale tax is 4 lacs crore during the preceding year. Prof. Chandumajra sharply criticized the Central Government for its total failure to control inflation and to protect the interests of the common man, which is its moral and constitutional duty. He said that the United Progressive Alliance has no moral right to remain in power.
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