Congress for fuel price hike now

NEW DLEHI:  With the inevitability of a petrol price hike looming large, Congress leaders are of the view that the government should "bite the bullet" now rather than later.
    
"Crude oil prices have touched a new high and oil companies are in the red. It is being felt that the government should go in for the petrol price hike now rather than some months later," a senior Congress leader said.
    
A large section of the Congress feels that if the price hike is deferred, it could have a greater impact on the party's prospects in the Lok Sabha elections.
    
"So, it would be advisable to bite the bullet now," the leader said.
    
Among the options available before the government is going in for a mix of measures like increasing the fuel prices, imposing a cess and reducing excise and customs duties on import of oil.
    
For the record, the party said the government should opt for a way that puts the least burden on the common man.
    
"There are two to three proposals on dealing with the situation. The government should take steps that put the least burden on the common man," AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari said.