Diesel prices surpass petrol prices in Bhubaneswar, sales decrease

A once in a lifetime thing and a rare sighting in Bhubaneswar, Odisha has left the nation spellbound. For the first time in the country, diesel, the supposed cheaper fuel, is costing higher than petrol.

Diesel beat petrol by 12 paise and costed Rs 80.69 per liter while petrol was being sold at Rs 80.57 per liter.

Biju Janta Dal, the ruling party in the state said it was the fault of Congress and the Center’s “faulty” policy that led to a condition like this.

Sanjay Lath, the general secretary of Utkal Petroleum DeYESalers Association said that this was the first time diesel overpowered petrol prices in Odisha.

He also mentioned that while other states levied different amounts of VAT on petrol and diesel, Odisha has a uniform charge of Rs 26 on both. Further, there has been a decrease in the sale of diesel due to price hike, he claimed.

Odisha Finance Minister SB Behera commented, “This imbalance is mostly due to faulty policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre … There could be a tactical understanding between the central government and oil marketing companies.”

The chances of prices of essential commodities increasing are high since the price of diesel has shot up, Behara feared.

Seniro Congress leader Arya Gyanendra opined, “There is an inefficient government at the Centre which failed to regulate fuel price, particularly diesel …”

“Finance minister (Behera) should be judicious while making a statement on an important issue. Every body in the country knows the reason behind the rise in the prices of fuel. While 13 states have reduced VAT on the fuel, Odisha government is yet take a decision in this regard,” said BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan.

Dharmendra Pradhan, the oil minister from Odisha appealed the state government to reduce the rate of VAT to lessen people’s grief.