After saying they don't affect him, union minister says fuel prices should be brought down 

Ramdas Athawale has apologised for saying the rises prices of petrol and diesel do not affect him since he is a union minister. 

He also demanded that the government bring down the prices of petrol and diesel. 

He had earlier been asked whether the recent hikes in fuel prices had affected him. Athawale had said they hadn't since he was a minister and was provided a government vehicle. 

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"If it has hurt people's sentiments, I express my apology," Athawale said Sunday. He added that he was a "common man". 

"I had no intention to do this. I am a common man who became a minister. I know the problems people face. I am a part of the government and I demand that the price of petrol, diesel should be brought down." 

Athawale is union minister for social justice and empowerment. 

"Journalists had asked me prices of petrol and diesel are rising, if I have any problem with it. I had said I've no problem, I'm a minister, we're provided government vehicles. But people do face problems and prices should be brought down. I didn't say this to insult anyone," he added.