West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has registered her protest on the deregulation and subsequent hike in diesel prices.
Calling the decision to decontrol diesel prices as “unfortunate” and “anti-people”, Banerjee posted on her Facebook wall that the decision would severely affect the common people.
“Yet another anti-people decision has been taken by the UPA Government. Diesel prices have been deregulated suddenly. Immediately, there has been an increase in diesel prices by 40-50 paise per litre, which will affect the common people and prices of essential commodities,” Banerjee posted.
Demanding an immediate roll-back of the decision, Banerjee said State-run transport companies and undertakings will be impacted by the hike with a financial burden of Rs 40 crore.
“For bulk purchase, diesel has become costlier by Rs 11 from today. It is affecting the State Transport Undertakings and creating an additional liability of Rs 40 crore upon them. The common people use public transport not only in the cities but also in the far-flung and remote areas, especially all villages,” she claimed.
According to Banerjee, the decision (to hike diesel prices) was made through a ‘secret communication’.
“I have also come to know that the decision has been conveyed through a ‘secret’ communication. What is ‘secret’ about price rise, which affects the common people? This is nothing but cheating,” said her post.
“We strongly oppose it and demand an immediate roll-back in the interest of the common people,” she added.