Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora told reporters on February 8 that fuel prices would not be raised till at least the budget for the coming financial year was announced1. The government has been under tremendous pressure from oil marketing companies who were facing losses to the tune of Rs. 150 crore daily on account of global increase in crude prices. Deora added that even when the prices will be raised, the government will ensure that minimum inconvenience is borne by the people

• 1. “Relax! Petrol price hike put on hold till budget,” CNN-IBN.COM, February 8, 2008, at http://www.ibnlive.com/printpage.php?id=58508&section_id=7