No further hike in petroleum prices soon: Deora

Jaipur, Mar 13 (UNI) Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora today said there would be no further price hike of petroleum products in the near future after the proposed increase in the Union budget.

Replying to a query about possibility of an another hike, Mr Deora here said, ''Not just now, but I can not guarantee for a long (time).'' He said the oil companies in the country were facing a shortfall of Rs 45,000 crore this year for preventing due hike in the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and Kerosene.

Last year, in the wake of the fluctuating trend of international prices the deficit was Rs 1.3 lakh crore, Mr Deora said.

''Despite this, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi is strictly against rise in prices of LPG and Kerosene,'', he observed.

However, on the issue of rolling back the recent hike in prices of petrol and diesel, Mr Deora rallied behind Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and ruled out any such possibility.

''It is not possible for us in present circumstances,'' he said.

Mr Deora, who was on a two-day visit to Rajasthan, held meetings with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state government officials and oil companies and discussed various issues including those of rehabilitation package for the IOC Jaipur fire victims and ways for enhancing viability of a refinery project in Barmer.

 

Earthquake of moderate intensity rocks Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 13 (UNI) An earthquake of moderate intensity rocked Srinagar and its adjoining areas late tonight, forcing people to rush out of their houses in panic.

The tremors, which were felt at 2214 hrs lasted for few seconds.

Other details about its epicentre were awaited.

There was no report of any loss of life or damage to property.

 

India rubbishes Pak allegations about Lahore blasts

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) India today ''unequivocally'' condemned yesterday's bomb blasts in Lahore which claimed the lives of 45 people, but expressed disappointment over allegations by Pakistan of Indian hand in these attacks.

A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said here that India has no interest in destabilising Pakistan.

''We categorically reject, once again, the allegations of India's involvement in such acts or activities,'' it said.

The MEA said New Delhi was deeply disappointed by statements emanating from Karachi alleging an Indian hand in yesterday's attacks in Lahore, and other terrorist acts and disturbances elsewhere in Pakistan.

''It is unfortunate that by repeating such unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations, officials in responsible positions in the Government of Pakistan put a strain on our bilateral relationship, '' the MEA said.

It advised the neighbour to concentrate on dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism directed against India, which was adversely impacting Pakistan itself.

''Our condolences go out to the families of those killed by these acts of terrorism... India has no interest in destabilising Pakistan,'' it said.