PANAJI
Comfortable in the drivers' seat now, Goa's ministers seemed relatively unaffected by the sustained increase in fuel prices, with former transport minister Mauvin Godinho blaming the war between Russia and Ukraine for the increase, especially petrol, which exceeded the Rs100 per litre barrier on Monday.
"Because of the international rising crude oil (prices) they (fuel prices) are bound to rise. Are you not aware that Russia and Ukraine are at war," Godinho told reporters after the first meeting of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's new cabinet.
"Is it the local government that has increased the prices? Whole world is bearing the brunt of price (rise)," Godinho also said.
When Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate was asked to comment on the increase in fuel prices, he chose to taunt Congress MLA Michael Lobo instead, especially the latter's comment March 26, when he said that those attending the swearing-in ceremony should question Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the rising fuel prices.
"I heard that some MLA had said that someone should ask the PM. He should have come today no, if his interest was to really ask the PM," said Monserrate, who has also been inducted as a minister in the Pramod Sawant cabinet.
Another minister Govind Gaude however said that the new government would take a decision in the interest of the people vis a vis the hike in fuel prices.
"A decision will be taken in the interest of Goa and Goans," Gaude said.
The BJP in its election manifesto had promised not to increase state fuel duty on petrol or diesel for the next three years.
