New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today (Nov 28, 2006) hinted at the possibility of lowering prices of some petroleum products in the face of a decline in global crude oil prices.

"I had discussed with the Prime Minister the possibility of decreasing the prices of some of the petroleum products to provide relief to the people. He had assured me then that he would look into the matter. I am sure this is under examination", she said.

Addressing the general body of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Gandhi, who is also Chairperson of the CPP as also UPA, said the steep rise in the prices of diesel and petrol despite the Government's best efforts not to pass on the entire burden has been causing hardship to the people.

"This had been and is a matter of concern to the party", Gandhi said, adding she had discussed with Singh the matter of decreasing the prices when the international crude prices came down a few weeks ago.

Gandhi's remarks came soon after the Left parties, key outside supporters of the Congress-led coalition, made a demand for reduction of prices of petroleum products.