Wednesday, June 7 2006 12:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Facing stiff all-round opposition, including reservations from Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Government yesterday(June 6,2006) did not rule out the possibility of a partial roll-back of the steep Rs 4 per litre hike in petrol price.

"As far as we are concerned, whatever happened yesterday in the Cabinet (which decided to raise petrol price by Rs 4 a litre and diesel by Rs 2 per litre) stands (but) nothing can be ruled out," he said after a meeting with Gandhi to whom he explained the reasons behind Monday's decision.

Deora said the Government was responsive to the needs of the people and would abide by the decision of the Congress party, which has demanded a partial roll-back.

"Whatever the high command decides, we will have to abide," he said.

The meeting came as parties from Left to Right today announced their decision to launch nationwide protests against the price hike as well as demanding its roll-back.

The Minister refused to say categorically if there would be a roll-back or not. However, sources in the ministry indicated that the hike in petrol price, the single largest ever in Indian history, may be moderated to Rs 3 per litre. There may not be any roll-back in diesel price.

"We are trying to create public awareness about the need for raising petrol and diesel prices. You know what condition the Navratna PSUs are going through. BPCL's credit rating has gone down and they are facing problems raising credit for their upcoming Bina refinery project," Deora said.