Bhubaneswar/Koraput: The prices of petrol on Monday breached the Rs 100 per litre mark in Jeypore leading to widespread resentment among people of the region. Earlier, the prices of petrol had hit century in Malkangiri district last week.
As per reports, a litre of petrol is sold at Rs 100.27 in Jeypore while the prices of diesel stands at Rs 98.4 per litre. Nevertheless, the continuous rise in fuel prices has provided an opportunity to the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to take a dig at the Centre.
Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Sanjay Das Burma on Monday slammed the Centre for the price rise of essential commodities as well as petrol and diesel which have compounded the miseries of the common man across the country. Burma said the Centre had earlier announced the agriculture cess will not impact people. However, the fuel prices have been increased for nearly 16 occasions which has directly affected the lives of people at a time when they are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
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“BJD condemns the price rise of petrol and diesel during the Covid-19 pandemic situation. The party will take a tough stance on the matter,” said Burma.
Burma also alleged that the country’s economy has collapsed as the GDP has hit 40-year’s low under the BJP-led government.
Responding to Burma’s allegations, BJP spokesperson Satyabrat Panda said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the economy. But blaming the Centre only for petrol and diesel price hike is not justified as the State government is also collecting revenue from petroleum products which have been kept out of GST purview.”
Panda further said, “Bulk of the petroleum products are being imported from other countries. In March, the State Finance minister had announced that it is not possible to reduce taxes on petroleum products.
Congress leader Sura Routray said, "Everyday prices of petrol and diesel are rising. The situation is grim and both Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Centre have turned a blind eye towards the plight of the people."