Stating that the hike in price of petrol and diesel was unnecessary, State Lorry Owners’ Federation – Tamil Nadu has urged the Central government to withdraw the hike immediately.
The federation president, K. Nallathambi, told The Hindu that the price of petrol and diesel were hiked by Rs. 3.18 and Rs. 3.09 respectively from Saturday midnight. “Though there is no change in the international crude oil price, the hike is surprising,” he said.
Mr. Nallathambi said that the price of petrol and diesel was very low in nearby countries when compared to India where the rupee value is strong. He urged the oil companies to immediately withdraw the hike so that it does not pave way for increase in cost of essential commodities.
Asked whether the rent for carrying goods in lorries would be hiked immediately, Mr. Nallathambi said that though the rent has to be increased by 75 paise per km, the federation is not going for a hike immediately. “We will wait. If the diesel price is hiked again, increasing the rent is imminent,” he added.
There are about 2.75 lakh lorries under the federation, transporting goods across the country. The price of petrol currently was Rs. 63.31 per litre, while the price of diesel was Rs. 52.92 per litre.
