The reasons attributed by the government for the price hike of petrol, diesel and kerosene cannot be accepted as reasonable as the present rulers when in the Opposition said a government was not needed if it was going to increase fuel prices whenever their was a hike in the world market and that too when petrol was increased by 3 rupees, UNP media spokesman, parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatillake said in a press release.
He said the reasons for the increase of the prices of oil was the spending by the government on a massive Cabinet of ministers and it was imposing a large percentage of tax on the consumer, burdening the people for the upkeep of the ministers.
Prices of rice had risen to unprecedented heights but the government was unable to control the prices and seemed to have forgotten that rice was the staple food of the nation. It will not be a surprise if a measure of rice goes up to 100 rupees.
The prices of milk powder, bread and flour and all other essential commodities had increase beyond the reach of the people. "We request the public to join the UNP register their protest against the price hikes, the release said.
|