Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister JP Dalal has defended the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, attributing it to global market trends and urging commuters to use fuel judiciously. Addressing the media in Chandigarh on Tuesday, Dalal stated that the price hike is not unique to Haryana but is a global phenomenon driven by rising crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
Government's Stand on Fuel Prices
The minister emphasized that the state government is committed to minimizing the burden on common citizens. He said, "The central and state governments are continuously monitoring the situation. We have requested the central government to consider reducing excise duty on fuel to provide relief to the public." Dalal also highlighted that the Haryana government has already reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel in the past to mitigate the impact.
Appeal to Commuters
Dalal appealed to commuters to use fuel responsibly and avoid unnecessary travel. He suggested carpooling and using public transport to reduce fuel consumption. "Every drop of fuel saved contributes to the nation's economy and environment," he added.
Welfare Schemes Highlighted
The minister also listed various welfare schemes launched by the state government for farmers and the underprivileged, including the 'Mukhyamantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana' and 'Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana'. He claimed that these initiatives have significantly improved the living standards of the rural population.
Opposition's Reaction
Meanwhile, opposition parties criticized the price hike, accusing the government of failing to control inflation. Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded an immediate rollback, calling it an "anti-people" decision. However, Dalal dismissed the criticism, stating that the opposition was politicizing the issue.
The minister concluded by reassuring the public that the government is exploring all possible measures to stabilize fuel prices and ensure minimal impact on the common man.
