Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today staged a walkout protesting against the government’s petrol pricing policy. They alleged that the gap in the profit between the purchasing and selling prices of petroleum products is not being passed to the consumers. Countering their allegations during the question hour, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan asserted that the government has reduced over ten rupees per litre on petrol and about nine rupees per litre on diesel during the last six months.

Justifying the increase in the excise duties on petrol and diesel, the minister said the funds are being utilised for social development programmes such as education. He said the government has acquired a bankrupt economy from the previous regime. Mr Pradhan said the present petrol pricing policy is the most transparent one. Not satisfied with his reply, members belonging to Congress, SP, BSP, TMC and Left parties walked out of the House.