In a desperate bid to save the Indian Economy from sliding further due to the wrong policies of the UPA Government, Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily has proposed a ban on selling of petrol from 8 PM to 8 AM, mostly in the night hours so that import of petrol can be contained. However, fearing backlash, the government has rejected the proposal.

The Opposition BJP, Trinamool Congress, Left and others raised the issue in the Parliament and slammed the government for coming up with such an idea. They asked whether the government is sure that vehicles travelling in night hours, won’t require petrol. They also expressed fear that it would lead to hoarding and black-marketing of fuel.

Moily is seriously planning to close the petrol pumps, but to allow the sale of diesel at the same outlets. However, the government does not want to upset the consumers and at the same time, trigger the panic button in the market. The petrol prices had gone up by Rs 2.35 per litre from September 1, 2013. It was the sixth petrol price hike in less than a month.