THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister Antony Raju has said that the government will approach the Supreme Court against the central government's decision to increase the price of fuel purchased in bulk. "The central decision is a major setback for KSRTC. KSRTC will not purchase fuel in large quantities from Indian Oil Corporation. The decision is to buy diesel from private pumps", he said.

"As per the central directive, the price has been hiked by Rs 6.73 per liter. According to the new price, KSRTC will have to pay Rs 98.15 per litre of diesel. The price is Rs 91.42 at private gas stations. The price hike is a huge burden for KSRTC. The public sector is going through the financial crisis induced by Covid. KSRTC bought diesel through bulk purchases at a cheaper rate than at private pumps", Antony Raju said.

According to the management, the increase in prices will result in an additional liability of Rs 37 lakh per day to KSRTC. Meanwhile, KSRTC has decided to run more services as the school reopens.