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11.01 hrs. Title: Regarding revision in the prices of domestic LPG.

THE MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI RAM NAIK): As hon. Members are aware, the Finance Minister had, in his Budget speech on 28th February, 2002, announced in this august House reduction in the retail prices of diesel by around 50 paise per litre and of petrol by around Re. 1 per litre. Increases in the retail price of domestic LPG by about Rs. 40 per cylinder and of kerosene oil under public distribution system by about Rs. 1.50 per litre were also announced. These changes in prices were given effect to by the oil companies with effect from 1st March, 2002.

SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU (SRIKAKULAM): Sir, all political parties are requesting for roll back.… (Interruptions)

SHRI RAM NAIK: This would benefit over 6.3 crore urban and rural households using LPG for cooking. The reduction in the price will come into force from the midnight of 16th/17th March, 2002.

I may mention here that the oil prices over the last few weeks have been showing an upward trend. The price of Brent crude oil, which was around $20 per barrel in the last week of February 2002, is presently over $23 per barrel. The prices of petroleum products in the international market have also moved upwards over past three weeks. In spite of the increase in the oil prices in the international market, the Government have, with a view to reduce the burden on consumers using LPG for cooking, decided to reduce the prices that I have just now announced. The subsidy burden due to this price reduction would increase by around Rs. 700 crore during the year 2002-2003.

कुंवर अखिलेश सिंह (महाराजगंज, उ.प्र.) : उपाध्यक्ष महोदय, इस देश की आधी आबादी को आज भी बिजली की सुविधा प्राप्त नहीं है और वह अपना काम मिट्टी के तेल से ही चलाती है।…( व्यवधान)

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Devendra Yadav, please resume your seat.

Mr. Minister, when you read out the statement, you read it as Rs.20 per cylinder. … (Interruptions)

SHRI RAM NAIK: I have modified it, Sir.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Mr. Minister has amended it and the amended version is there.… (Interruptions)

SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV (SILCHAR): But it is Rs.15 in the statement. He must correct it. … (Interruptions)

SHRI RAM NAIK: While reading the statement also, I have read it as Rs.20. I have amended it.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: The copy of the statement before me only says Rs.15 per cylinder. I heard the Minister reading Rs.20 and that is why I wanted clarification.

SHRI RAM NAIK: What you heard is right, Sir.

MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Now, let us go to the next item. Shri Acharia, let us not waste the time of the House. It is settled now. … (Interruptions)

SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : What about withdrawal of the entire amount of Rs.40? Sir, Rs. 40, which has been enhanced, should be reduced and status quo should be maintained, as suggested by an ally of the NDA. The Minister should respond to that… (Interruptions)