New Delhi : Youth Congress workers staged a protest outside the petroleum ministry office at Shastri Bhawan here on Thursday over the recent hike in fuel prices.
The agitators, who were seen raising slogans against the government, carried placards and banners denouncing both the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They attempted to cross police barricades, which prompted the cops to issue warnings and push the agitators back. The protestors also lit a huge fire and burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The crude oil price in the international is low. Narendra Modi ji, instead of reducing the price, is increasing them. We will continue our protest until the price hike is withdrawn,” said one of the protestors,” said one of the agitators.
“According to crude prices, the price of petrol and diesel should be around Rs. 25-30. During UPA regime, the crude price was around 125 dollars per barrel, while now it is 40 dollars per barrel. Modi ji is not reducing the prices,” said another protestor.
Petrol price was increased by Rs 3.07 per litre yesterday, while the rate for diesel went up by Rs 1.90 per litre.
Petrol price was last cut by Rs 3.02 from March 1 and yesterday’s hike has evened it out. Diesel price on that day was hiked by Rs 1.47.
According to reports, state-owned fuel retailers IOC, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) revise rates of the fuel on 1st and 16th of every month based on average oil price and foreign exchange rate in the preceding fortnight. (ANI)