Move To Hike Gas Price Will Keep Interest Of Poor In Mind: Oil Minister

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the decision regarding the impending gas price hike would be taken at the right time by maintaining a balance between the need for reforms and the interest of the poor.

“We are examining all aspects of the issue. We are deeply into it. A right decision will be taken at the right time,” he said.

Refusing to speculate on the timing or what the decision could be, Pradhan said bringing the ‘derailed’ economy back on track is the priority of the Narendra Modi government and it will do everything to bring back the momentum.

He said the government wants to stabilise the economy which had become ‘bankrupt.’ “The first task is to stabilise the economy,” he said.

He said the NDA government is pro-reforms but it will also protect the interest of the poor.

“Economic reforms are not anti-poor. Economic reforms are, in fact, pro-poor. We need to strike a balance between the two and we will do it. I do not want to say anything more than this right now,” he added.

The first increase in the price of natural gas in four years was to be effective from April 1. However, the general elections were announced before a new rate could be decided and its implementation got deferred due to the model code of conduct.