Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and AIADMK propaganda secretary M. Thambi Durai has urged the Centre to reverse the erstwhile United Progressive Alliance-led government’s decision to deregulate petrol and diesel prices.
Addressing mediapersons here on Saturday, he said the existing system, where the oil companies fix fuel prices, had not augured well for consumers. They were feeling the pinch of the steep hike in the prices of petrol and diesel on a day-to-day basis. There was a strong need to insulate the common man from the impact of the rise in oil prices. Hence, the Centre should revert to the earlier system of fixing fuel prices, he said.
Commenting on the Centre’s decision to marginally reduce the excise duty on petrol and diesel, Mr. Thambi Durai said the Union government should reduce petrol and diesel prices by at least ₹10 a litre.
On OPS-TTV meet
On the controversy over a secret meeting between Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran in 2017, Mr. Thambi Durai felt that Mr. Panneerselvam had given a clear explanation.
By raking up the issue, Mr. Dhinakaran was attempting to create confusion among the rank and file of the AIADMK and the people, he added.
