Hike in diesel prices was required: ArunShourie

Even as the BJP has strongly opposed the Centre's decision to hike diesel prices and allow FDI in retail, senior party leader and former Union Minister Arun Shourie justified the move saying it was the need of the hour.

"Increasing diesel prices was the need of the hour," Shourie, who had come here to participate in a seminar, told reporters last evening.

A lot of hue and cry is being raised unnecessarily on the issue of FDI in retail as this will neither lead to profit nor losses, the BJP leader said.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has for the first time shown his strength," he added.