Friday, 22 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The recent reduction in the price of petrol and diesel is being projected by some as a political move aimed at the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. However, those in the business are stating that this development is not related to the elctions.
Local resident Punish Yadav opined that the government is manipulating the public by lowering petrol prices before the Lok Sabha elections. He claimed that this reduction in prices is an attempt to win over voters. “I am not happy with this as I suspect that the prices will subsequently be raised after the election.”
Another local resident Shashi Rathore stated that the reason behind the reduction in petrol and diesel rates by Rs two is comprehensible to the public. She emphasised that the Lok Sabha election is the major reason for the decreased fuel prices. She further stated that if the government genuinely aims to serve the public, it should refrain from hiking the petrol prices after the elections.
The president of the Dehradun Petrol Pump Dealers Association Ashish Mittal told this correspondent that the fluctuation in petrol prices in India is not influenced by factors such as elections or natural disasters. The pricing mechanism is primarily based on the international price of crude oil. Mittal stated that the government is being wrongfully accused of reducing petrol prices in light of the Lok Sabha election. He emphasised that the reduction in petrol prices as well as LPG cylinder rates, is due to change in the international price and is intended for the benefit of consumers. Explaining further, he said that individuals who used to save Rs 2,000 per month for petrol now only need to save Rs 1,800, leaving them with an extra Rs 200 that can be used for other expenses or savings.
