On 12th May I had written a post on petrol price expectation and it has happened exactly as anticipated. Close to Karnataka elections - petroleum prices were held rock steady for close to 20 days and the crude price rise was absorbed by companies. Immediately after the voting was done and dusted there is a steep price rise that has continued till now. (check the two graphics - petrol and diesel prices - data for Mumbai).
It is a shame that public does not see through such brazen attempts by the Government to influence their opinions. Petrol/Diesel prices have been deregulated and theoretically the companies are free to link them to crude prices in tune with market. But it is clear that team-Modi does every little thing that in their perception may affect their electoral fortunes - policy be damned.
Like always - bhakts will post another graphic that will show that the annual fuel price rise during MMS years have been more than the four years of Modiji. To them here is a suggestion in advance - don't get swayed by BJP IT cell production - instead do some simple googling. That graphic needs to be seen along with the rise in International crude oil prices. Here are some brilliant nuggets collected by my friend K Jayaraman
1. In 2013, Brent Crude price touched about $119.
2. Todays international price is about $ 80 a barrel, i.e it was 50% more when we paid lesser than what we pay today.
3. Crude prices were at an all time high of $ 145.61 in July 2008.
4. Only Indians pay an all time high price when internationally it is almost half the all time high price ( $80 to $145.61)
5. Excise duty on diesel has been increased by about 400% since this govt. came in
So do not be fooled by the BJP IT cell propoganda - tha fact is we are being taxed left, right and center to fund the profligate means of our politicians.
1. In 2013, Brent Crude price touched about $119.
2. Todays international price is about $ 80 a barrel, i.e it was 50% more when we paid lesser than what we pay today.
3. Crude prices were at an all time high of $ 145.61 in July 2008.
4. Only Indians pay an all time high price when internationally it is almost half the all time high price ( $80 to $145.61)
5. Excise duty on diesel has been increased by about 400% since this govt. came in
So do not be fooled by the BJP IT cell propoganda - tha fact is we are being taxed left, right and center to fund the profligate means of our politicians.
and yes someone will also tell me to factor in loss of value of currency to compare with prices in MMS era - to them I would suggest also compare the rise in salaries and job creation that happened in the MMS era and last four years. Dr. MMS will win hands down on that front too.
BTW here are some celebrity statements on petrol price hike during Dr. MMS tenure
Salman Khan - "Don't worry abt petrol , sending u a pic of gobar all u hv to do vit it is make gas." - May 14, 2010
Narendra Bhai Modi - "Massive hike in #petrol prices is a prime example of the failure of Congress-led UPA. This will put a burden of hundreds of crores on Guj." - May 23, 2012
Amitabh Bachchan - "Pump attendent - 'Kitne ka daloon ?' ! Mumbaikar - '2-4 rupye ka car ke upar spray kar de bhai, jalana hai !!" - May 24, 2012
Smriti Irani - "Petrol price hiked yet again. Aam Aadmi ki UPA sarkar now only works for khaas tel companies!!" - Nov 3, 2011
Akshay Kumar - "Guys I think its time to clean up your bicycles and hit the road, expecting another petrol price hike." - 27th Feb 2012
Salman Khan - "Don't worry abt petrol , sending u a pic of gobar all u hv to do vit it is make gas." - May 14, 2010
Narendra Bhai Modi - "Massive hike in #petrol prices is a prime example of the failure of Congress-led UPA. This will put a burden of hundreds of crores on Guj." - May 23, 2012
Amitabh Bachchan - "Pump attendent - 'Kitne ka daloon ?' ! Mumbaikar - '2-4 rupye ka car ke upar spray kar de bhai, jalana hai !!" - May 24, 2012
Smriti Irani - "Petrol price hiked yet again. Aam Aadmi ki UPA sarkar now only works for khaas tel companies!!" - Nov 3, 2011
Akshay Kumar - "Guys I think its time to clean up your bicycles and hit the road, expecting another petrol price hike." - 27th Feb 2012
And this post is not even about the price rise - it is about the dumb treatment that the government gives us as "praja" - regulated free price mechanisms to ensure that the boat is not rocked just 15 days before a state election is as cynical as it can get.
Sit tight very soon - our diyar modiji will chair a meeting and then announce a meagre excise duty cut that the BJP IT cell will hail as a national sacrifice to help the poor and the middle class and diyar bhakts you will be fooled yet again. Enjoy your dream ride of hypcorisy and double talks.
