Lifting state curbs on diesel pricing in India is unreasonable to expect at this juncture,Oil Secretary S. Sundareshan said on Wednesday.
Diesel deregulation is 8220;not possible with the current prices 8230; diesel deregulation at this juncture will lead to price increase and it is unreasonable to expect it at this juncture,8221; he said.
India may lift state controls on diesel pricing in a phased manner,instead of in one go,to cushion any blow on the poor,the Oil Ministry said in a report on Tuesday.
In June,India ended controls on petrol prices and raised prices of diesel,cooking gas and kerosene. It also said diesel prices will eventually be freed to boost public finances and open up a sector long dominated by state-run firms.