New Delhi, Jan. 18 (ANI): Asserting that the recent economic decisions taken by the Centre are against the people's interest, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Friday took the Congress-led UPA Government to task over the diesel price hike, saying it will add to inflation and the farmers will suffer.

Taking potshots at the government for allowing oil companies to make small corrections periodically, Mayawati said this anti-people move would impact the farmers, middle class and the poor, and added that this is a very disappointing step taken by the Centre.

"Now, inflation will increase at almost all levels in the country. The lives of the common man would now become even more difficult and painful. So, the Central Government should rethink its decision," she said.

Mayawati demanded that the government should give 12 subsidised cylinders in a year and not 9.

"There have been talks of raising the cap on subsidised LPG to nine cylinders per household in a year from existing six cylinders, in this regard my party would like to say to the Central Government that the decision is not fair and appropriate because not providing one cylinder per month would be a torture on part of the government," said Mayawati.

"So, in this regard the BSP demands that the Central Government should provide give 12 subsidised cylinders in a year," she added.

Mayawati alleged that the Congress-led UPA government has taken several anti-people decisions ever since it has come to power, and said that it has led to poverty, unemployment and rampant inflation in the country.

The BSP supremo advised the ruling Congress Party to concentrate on issues of national interest, including the law and order situation in the country and rethink its border strategies in its 'Chintan Shivir' taking place in Rajasthan.

Talking to the media here after the meeting on Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily yesterday said that there is no increase in the prices of Diesel and Kerosene.

Dr. Moily, however, said that the oil companies have been permitted to raise diesel prices by a small quantum periodically till such time that they are able to cover Rs 9.60 per litre loss they incur on the fuel.

Dr. Moily, who refused to provide details of diesel price increase, said the raise may take place as early as tonight.

The government also raised the cap on supply of subsidised LPG cylinders to nine bottles from six per year.

"I am happy to inform the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided to raise the cap on subsidised LPG to nine cylinders per household in a year from existing six cylinders," Dr. Moily said.

The consumers will get a quota of five subsidised cylinders between September 2012 and March 2013. They will be entitled to nine cylinders per annum from April 1, 2013. (ANI)