(FPJ)
Six non-BJP ruled states – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Kerala, and Jharkhand- have not reduced the VAT on petroleum products, leading to higher prices of petrol and diesel there, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday.
Puri said in Lok Sabha that the central government has reduced excise duty on petroleum products and some other states, following cues, and reduced their Value Added Tax (VAT). Six states – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Kerala, and Jharkhand – have not reduced the VAT, he said amidst vocal protests by the opposition members.
According to the minister, India currently has one of the lowest petrol prices in the world. He said the oil marketing companies together suffered losses of Rs 27,276 crore due to high prices of crude in international markets.
