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Pradhan rules out review of dynamic transport fuel pricing
Dahej (Gujarat), June 4 (IANS) Ruling out a review of the daily dynamic pricing regime for transport fuel introduced last June, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday however said the government was concerned about rising fuel prices and is working on a long-term solution to the problem of price volatility.
In face of the recent surge in petrol and diesel prices, Pradhan also appealed to state governments to tax these within a “reasonable and responsible” band.
“There is no review of daily price mechanism,” Pradha” told reporters here after receiving the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment from Russia under a long-term contract at the import terminal here on Monday.
“We are thinking of a long-term solution. We are concerned about prices and about the plight of the common man. Government of India is taking a holistic view,” he said.
The Minister also said that state governments should cut sales tax, which because of their levy ad valorem leads to rise in revenues of the state governments when prices rise.
“We cannot push states but only appeal to them.
“I have already categorically stated several times that the present oil price hike is due to three main factors. Hike in the international price of crude, fluctuation in the dollar and Indian currency ratio, and some of the tax issues are also there,” he added.
State-run oil marketing firms marginally lowered petrol prices for the sixth consecutive day on Monday under the dynamic pricing regime although the rates continue to rule at unprecedented levels following the resumption of daily price changes after a 20-day suspension of the system last month owing to the Karnataka elections.
As per prices announced by largest retailer Indian Oil Corp, petrol per litre in Delhi on Monday cost Rs 77.96, down from Rs 78.11 on Sunday.
Similarly, in Mumbai and Kolkata, petrol prices were at Rs 85.77 and Rs 80.60 a litre respectively, while in Chennai petrol fell by 15 paise on Monday to Rs 80.94 per litre.
Diesel sold on Monday in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai for Rs 68.97, Rs 71.52, Rs 73.43 and Rs 72.82 per litre, respectively.
“Today will be seen as the golden day for India’s energy roadmap,” Pradhan said referring to first LNG ship from Russia, adding that the government is committed towards transforming India into a gas-based economy.
“To bring Russia’s LNG in India is a big achievement in our energy roadmap. In next 20 years, $25 billion worth gas will come to India and nearly $1.5 billion worth of LNG will be bought from Russia every year. It is a successful deal between India-Russia,” he said.
“Four years back, we were importing LNG from only Qatar. Today we are getting LNG from Australia, US and now Russia,” he added.
State-run gas utility GAIL has signed a 20-year contract with Russia’s energy giant Gazprom for purchase of 2.5 million tonnes of natural gas a year.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.