OMCs may take call on fuel prices if crude stays stable: H S Puri

On the questions about bringing down the fuel prices, Puri said the state-run oil marketing companies did “okay” in the last quarter. “They have recovered some of their losses. They have been very good corporate citizens. As we go along, we will see what can be done,” he said.

Puri said the government had ensured no rise in oil prices since April 22 and assured that the government would keep a check on consumers suffering no hardship. Puri cited various data, including those related to the housing and urban development ministry, also under him, to assert that the government’s policies are sound, forward-looking and well-intentioned, and it has a decisive leadership in Modi who makes them happen.

Slamming the Opposition for indulging in “revdi politics”, he said one might like to give everything for “free”, but then they enter the dangerous territory of freebie politics. The issue of pricing is a dynamic matter, Puri said, adding that the government has taken several welfare measures in its nine years term to help people.

He alleged that non-BJP state governments are most vocal about petroleum prices even though they sell petrol and diesel at higher prices than BJP governments as they did not reduce value-added tax (VAT).

The minister said unlike his neighbouring countries, which suffered a financial crisis, PM Modi has pursued policies which kept availability and affordability under control while also pushing sustainability by promoting green energy.

The government is also working to push the country’s refining capacity to 400-450 million metric tonnes from around 252 MMT now, he said.

He cited the growth in the infrastructure sector to ridicule Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his jibes at the government that it is always looking into the rearview mirror to blame others.

“His eyesight should be checked. He may be wearing the wrong glasses,” the minister said, noting that the Indian economy has risen to the fifth position globally from 10 under the UPA government and citing other development figures.

When he goes abroad, he remembers minorities, Puri said of Gandhi and then mentioned the 1983 Nellie massacre of Muslims and the 1984 killings of Sikhs when the Congress was in power.

Lauding PM Modi, he said the government is characterised by “niti, niyat and neta” (policies, intentions and leader) as he has led from the front on every issue. With PTI inputs