Hyderabad: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy defended the fuel price hike and accused Congress and BRS of politicising the increase in petrol and diesel prices.
He alleged that both parties were making misleading allegations for political reasons. He also appealed to people not to believe the statements made by leaders of the two parties.
Kishan Reddy spoke to the media in Hyderabad on Friday after oil companies increased petrol and diesel prices across the country.
He said the revised fuel prices came into effect from Friday morning.
Fuel price hike linked to US-Iran conflict
The Union Minister said the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran made the increase in petrol and diesel prices unavoidable.
He clarified that the Centre did not increase fuel prices to burden the public.
According to Kishan Reddy, India was spending heavily on crude oil imports because of international market conditions.
Therefore, he said the Centre took the decision after considering global developments.
The Minister also pointed out that petrol and diesel prices increased in countries such as the United States, Germany and Japan.
Oil companies increased petrol and diesel prices by more than Rs 3 per litre across the country.
The revised rates came into force from 6 am on Friday.
Meanwhile, Congress and BRS criticised the increase and alleged that it would place an additional burden on the public.
Kishan Reddy responded to the criticism by defending the Centre’s decision on fuel prices.