Date:03/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/01/03/stories/2008010351480200.htm

Back Fuel price hike in Feb?

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Jan 2 The consumers of petrol and diesel can expect a moderate price increase next month. The Petroleum Secretary, Mr M.S. Srinivasan, said, “The Group of Ministers (GoM) on food is meeting on January 8. The GoM on pricing is likely to meet very soon after that.”

He said a moderate increase in fuel prices was likely. The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has constituted a GoM, headed by the External Affairs Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, to look into pricing of essential commodities including fuel pricing.

The GoM is expected to meet later this month, which will be followed by a meeting of the Cabinet. Indications are that the Government could consider an increase of Rs 4 and 2 a litre in petrol and diesel prices respectively.