The Election Commission on Friday said that the Centre will have to take its permission before announcing any changes in fuel prices and increasing the cap on subsidised cylinders from six to nine.

Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath, while announcing election schedule for three the northeastern states, said the model code of conduct had come into force and the government will have to seek EC's approval before making any announcement of national importance.

The EC had pulled up petroleum minister Veerappa Moily during elections in Gujarat and Himachal for stating that the government was considering increase in cap of subsidized LPG cylinders from six to nine.

The elections have been announced at the time when the government was planning to increase cap and prices of cooking gas. The announcement of elections could mean that the government may have to make substantial changes in fuel prices during the budget session amid political high drama.