Defending the fourth hike in petrol and diesel prices in just a fortnight, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Monday linked the increase to global tensions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US, saying the impact on oil supply was expected.
The minister was chairing the monthly District Grievance Redressal Committee meeting at Panchayat Bhawan in Karnal, where he listened to the grievances before interacting with mediapersons. Of the 14 grievances taken up at the meeting, nine were resolved.
Rana said petrol prices had increased by Rs 2.61 per litre, while diesel prices had gone up by Rs 2.71 per litre because international oil supply had been affected.
“There is huge demand for petrol and diesel, but supply has been affected due to the Iran-US conflict. The regions from where oil comes are witnessing a war-like atmosphere, so naturally there will be difficulties regarding oil,” he said.
Rana, however, claimed that the impact on India had remained limited due to the planning and policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He appealed to people to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and use petroleum products only as required.
The minister himself arrived at the meeting venue in a police escort vehicle. When asked about it, Rana said the use of police vehicles was aimed at saving fuel.
“Fuel conservation is necessary for the country. Oil should be used for production and agriculture purposes rather than being wasted unnecessarily on roads,” he said.
When asked about rising temperatures and farmers’ concerns, he said that higher temperatures were a positive sign for a good monsoon.
“Our elders used to say that the more intense the heat, the more pests in the fields get destroyed, resulting in better crops and rain. If there is no heat, the monsoon may also not arrive properly,” he said.
Later, the minister also held a meeting with officials to review development works at Vikas Bhawan. Deputy Commissioner Dr Anand Kumar Sharma briefed him about the ongoing projects in the district.
