Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce diesel prices in the country.
Hooda said that crude oil prices have reduced in the international market by up to 33 per cent and diesel prices should be reduced in the same ratio.
In a statement issued here, the Chief Minister said he has written to the PM in this regard earlier also, but has not got any positive response so far.
Hooda said that when the BJP calls itself the well-wisher of the farmers, they should fix the diesel prices in the country according to the reduced prices in the international market.
The Chief Minister said farmers of the state are facing drought or flood like situation.
"Haryana government has also declared drought in the state. In such a situation the central government should give relief to the farmers of Haryana with immediate effect by paying them compensation (more than Rs 4000 Crore) demanded by the state government," he said.
Besides, the Chief Minister asked the Centre to give relief to the farmers facing drought and floods in the country through the reduced prices of diesel.
Hooda said that instead of reducing subsidy on diesel the centre should consider the option of reducing prices of diesel.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Prime Minister would take immediate necessary steps to give relief to the farmers.
He said due to scanty rainfall in the country some parts of the country faced drought, while some places faced floods because of excessive rainfall due to nature's fury.
Facing natural calamity, people are expecting some relief from the government, he said.
The Chief Minister said diesel is a necessary fuel which helps the farmers in their hour of crisis so to help the farmers continue with their agricultural activities and livelihood, the prices of diesel should be reduced.
