5 Jan :In the backdrop of transporters going on strike demanding reduction in prices of diesel, the BJP accused the govt of delaying reduction in prices of petrol and diesel till elections draw close so that it can reap electoral benefits.
"Delaying the announcement of reduction in prices of petrol and diesel may suit the political timeline for UPA, but the masses are suffering as they have to pay the highest price in the world for them," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.
Javadekar alleged this was nothing but a "political ploy" as Petroleum Minister Murli Deora wants to time the reduction of prices to the eve of elections for political gains.
One of the main demands of the striking transporters is reduction of diesel prices by Rs 10 per litre.
BJP said the government should announce relief of Rs 10 per litre for petrol and diesel in the next two days to avoid the effects of the strike on supplies and movement of goods.
"It will cripple our economy further and will also result in crisis particularly in power sector," Javadekar said.
He said international prices of crude oil had fallen by 75 percent from USD140 to USD35 but the Indian government had brought about a reduction of only 10 percent.
"The oil companies are earning a profit of Rs 15 per litre but the government is not willing to pass the benefit to the consumers. Ad valorem duty structure has become a weapon of loot," Javadekar said.
The BJP MP said prices of Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) had fallen in keeping with the international prices but this was not done in the case of petrol and diesel.