GHAZIABAD: Questioning the timing of the steep hike in CNG prices, Arvind Kejriwal said today that he
will examine whether the increase can be rolled back after taking charge as Delhi’s chief minister.
The AAP leader will be sworn in as Delhi chief minister tomorrow.
Kejriwal said, what was the need to increase CNG prices when a new government is to take over in
Delhi? It raises suspicions about their intention. I will look at the files once I take over tomorrow and see
if the hike can be rolled back.
Autorickshaw drivers in the city have threatened a strike demanding revision of fares in the wake of the
hike in prices of CNG that fuels public transport on Delhi roads. A significant section of auto drivers had
extended support to AAP in the election.
Kejriwal said to reporters, I will hold consultations with them and try to find out a solution. We cannot
rule out the possibility of a hike in auto fares in Delhi, if necessary. Kejriwal requested them not to go on
strike and promised to examine the issue. They (auto drivers) have been associated with us for a long
time when I take charge tomorrow.
Price of CNG or compressed natural gas was hiked by 4.50 per kg on Thursday. It was the second price
hike of CNG in last three months. CNG will now cost Rs 50.10/kg in Delhi and Rs 56.70/kg in Noida,
Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has said. The hike came into effect from
midnight last night.
Delhi Government has a five per cent stake in IGL and can at best subsidize the hike which it cannot
rollback on its own. The IGL, on Friday said the rate increase was forced by court orders that had led to
cut in allocation of cheaper domestic natural gas.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader said it was the chief secretary’s responsibility to take care of files. This also
shows there is large-scale corruption in these departments and officials who are seeking transfer are
understood to have been involved in it, he said.
Bureau Report
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