Cycling Will Keep Us Healthy, Pollution Away, MP Energy Minister's Solution For Fuel Price Rise

Petrol diesel prices have been skyrocketing for some time and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon as there are no upcoming elections.

The almost daily rise in fuel prices has taken a toll on the budgets of millions of Indian households who were already struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

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Given the rising anger among the public, the ruling BJP has run out of excuses to blame for the situation and has been doing whatever they can to defend it.

Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradhuman Singh Tomar is the latest to share his wisdom on how to turn this crisis into an opportunity.

According to Singh, cycling is the solution, and it has additional benefits.

"Do we ride a bicycle to a vegetable market? It will keep us healthy and keep pollution away," he said in Bhopal while answering a question about fuel prices.

Pradhuman Singh Tomar/ Facebook

"Are petrol and diesel more important to us or the health services of the country?" he asked.

He then went on to claim that the money is used to help the poor.

"Yes, I admit that the prices are increasing. But the money from it is used to help fund the treatment, education and food to the poor people during this COVID-19 crisis," Tomar said.

#WATCH | MP Energy Minister Pradhuman Singh Tomar speaks on fuel price hike. He says, "...Do we ride a bicycle to a vegetable market? It'll keep us healthy & keep pollution away...Prices are high but the money coming through this is being utilised for the poor man..." (28.06) pic.twitter.com/JRxWTmV1Hm

¡ª ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2021

Last week Union minister of petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan had said that the rise in petroleum price was due to global crude prices.

"There has been a jump in crude oil prices in the international market. One of the main reasons behind the rise in fuel prices in India is that we have to import 80% of the oil we consume," Pradhan said.

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He had also accused the previous UPA regime of fuel price hike stating that Congress had left millions of crores of rupees due on the present government due to which the Centre has to pay both its interest and its price.

On Monday, a case was filed in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, against Pradhan in connection with the rise in petrol prices.

The petitioner, Tamanna Hashmi filed the case before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Muzaffarpur, alleging that it was a "conspiracy" to sell petrol at high rates across the country though the price of crude oil was quite low.

Hashmi has further alleged that the prices of petrol have left the people of the country "terrorised" and "enraged".

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He has sought Pradhans trial under IPC Sections 420 (fraud), 295 and 295 (A) pertaining to deliberate malicious acts and 511 (attempt to commit an offence).

This comes as petrol continues to be sold for over Rs 100 a liter in many parts of the country. Even premium diesel has breached the Rs 100 mark at places, which is unprecedented.