Blame game intensifies, as Diesel gets costlier than Petrol in BBSR

ONI Bureau: Political blame game over fuel prices has intensified further, as diesel prices got costlier than petrol in Bhubaneswar – first time in India. Cost of diesel today stands at Rs 80.69 per litre against the price of petrol at Rs 80.57 per litre in the temple city.

The diesel surpassed petrol because of the slow decrease in diesel prices in the last 3 days as compared to petrol prices. On Saturday, diesel prices were slashed by just 35 paise, while petrol prices were reduced by 83 paise per litre.

Odisha Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera slammed the Centre, saying due to wrong policies of the Centre, diesel prices have skyrocketed. “Oil companies are either not under the control of NDA govt or there is a nexus,” he alleged. “Rise in the diesel prices will add to further price rise of essential commodities affecting lives of common people,” he expressed concerns.

BJP’s State General Secretary Prithviraj Harichandan came down heavily on Sashi Behera saying it’s the Odisha Govt which need to be blamed. “Although 13 States have already slashed VAT on petrol & diesel, the Odisha Govt is yet to act,” he said.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took a dig at Sashi Bhusan Behera, accusing him of speaking as per the directive of 3rd Floor. “Fuel prices have been reduced significantly in the last 3 days. But, Odisha Govt has not cut tax on fuel, causing trouble to people of the state,” he alleged.