Govt talks of increasing oil prices
With the shortage of petroleum products continuing in market despite rise in the prices some months back, the government is again mulling over possible increase in the prices to ease the supply.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Shyam Sundar Gupta told parliament on Sunday unless long-term measures are taken to adjust the prices of the petroleum products at par with the international market, smoothly supply would be impossible. He said policy has been drafted to address the issue.
Minister Gupta said the policy should incorporate provisions like subsidised prices for specific groups, lowering oil consumption and exploring alternative energy sources to meet the increasing need of energy.
Gupta said the government could subsidise one cylinder of LPG per family per month and subsidised price of diesel for the transport sector. Gupta further said government also plans for subsidised price for kerosene for low-income families.
Additionally, Gupta said the government is also working to import petroleum products from other countries rather than depending on India for all supplies. nepalnews.com ia Aug 11 08
