Kathmandu, May 20:

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Rajendra Mahato today told the Finance Committee of the parliament that the government had no intention of raising the prices of petroleum products before the constituent assembly elections.

He said that discussion is underway on paying old dues to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). He added that his ministry has sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance for providing some relief on tax in petroleum products to adjust the price.

He said that the price could be adjusted by involving the private sector.

Some lawmakers at the committee called for the involvement of the private sector, but a Maoist lawmaker Amrita Thapa, opposing the involvement of the private sector, said the state should continue to operate the NOC.

Lawmaker Shiva B Deuja said that consumers should be mentally prepared prior to the hike in prices of petroleum products. Lawmaker Chuda Mani Jangali BK said that prices of petroleum products should be raised but subsidy should be given in health and education sectors.