Congress asks govt to find a way to lessen petrol price hike burden

The Congress today asked the government to find a "way out" so that the common man bears the minimum burden of petroleum price hike.

"We are very sorry. We understand the problems of the common man. The goverment will have to find a way. Some way has to be found on the issue of hike in petroleum prices so that the common man has to bear the minimum burden due to such hikes," party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said.

He at the same time added "we also understand the complusion of the government. Oil prices will rise according to the international pricing of crude oil. Moreover, this is the decision of oil companies which are now independent to take their own decision."

The Congress spokesperson also said the impact of the hike in petrol pricese can be lessened if states cut down on their taxes on petroleum products.

"Anyhow, the government will have to find out a way," he said.

Oil companies today hiked petrol prices by Rs1.80 per litre to offset the fall in rupee that has made imports of crude costlier.