Fuel hike: Maharashtra govt mulling relief, says Prithviraj Chavan

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said here today that the state government is now considering how relief can be provided to consumers and the common man with the rise in fuel prices.

"We will see if we can reduce our taxes and curtail the size of our schemes. We will discuss this issue in the next cabinet meeting and find a way to provide relief," Chavan said on the sidelines of a function organised to mark the birth anniversary of social reformer Shahu Maharaj.

Chavan's announcement came after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee asked all the chief ministers to reduce state cess on LPG and diesel.

Meanwhile, in a veiled reference to ally NCP coming out in opposition against the fuel price hike, Union Rural Development Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said in Sangli district today that when one is in alliance, one must not only share power but also accountability.

Deshmukh's remarks came after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar yesterday said that his party was against the move by the Centre as it has increased the hardships of the common man.

The MPCC has said that it would urge the state government to reduce taxes on diesel and LPG to provide some relief to consumers.

MPCC President Manikrao Thakre said the hike in prices of these items could not be supported. He said he would meet Chavan and request him to take up the issue in the Cabinet meeting.