Diesel price-cut not discussed in meeting: Deora

With state-owned oil firms earning a profit of Rs 3.26 a litre,a reduction in retail rates is,however,on the cards as the last pre-poll sop that would help bring down inflation further.

Deora refused to say if a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs,which usually deliberates on fuel price revision,was slated for this evening or on Friday.

Petroleum Secretary R S Pandey said: 8220;I have not been informed of any meeting till now.8221;

8220;I am not aware of any move to reduce prices yet. There is no proposal yet before me,8221; he said but refused to completely rule out a price reduction.

8220;All I am saying is that I am not aware as yet of any proposal to cut prices,8221; he said.