The West Bengal Power Minister, Mr Nirupam Sen, has indicated a hike in power tariff in the State following a flat increase of Rs 90 a tonne for coal obtained from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.

He hinted that power generating agencies might move the Electricity Regulatory Commission for a hike in power tariff. The 30 per cent increase in coal prices for deregulated sector may add to the inflationary pressure, he said.

Pointing out that the country was dependent on thermal power, Mr Sen maintained that coal price increase is likely to lead to an increase in the cost of power generation.

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