(a) whether several organisations have criticised the Government for increasing the prices of L.P.G. and kerosene;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government propose to re-consider their decision to increase the prices of said items; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MININSTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
( SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR )
(a) to (d); The ex-storage point prices of kerosene (PDS) and LPG (domestic) have not been revised in the recent past. These were last revised on 25.7.1991 for kerosene (PDS) and on 28.2.1999 for LPG (domestic). The Government has decided in November, 1997 that subsidy on LPG (domestic) and kerosene (PDS) will be reduced in phases to reach the level of 15% and 33.33% of the import parity price by 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 respectively. The subsidy will be transferred to the fiscal budget from the year 2002 onwards.