(T.E.T)
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine states, including Maharashtra and Kerala, have not reduced VAT on petrol and diesel. The Petroleum and Natural Gas minister also informed the house that fuel prices have gone up by over 50 per cent in many countries but have remained stable and risen by a mere 5 per cent in India during the pandemic. “All elected representatives should be rejoicing at the fact that the prices of petrol paid by the consumer have remained steady during the period from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021,” he told the house.
Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, he said levying of taxes is done going by the situation at that point of time and were raised at the time of the pandemic but have been reduced since. “We brought down the central excise, but nine states have still not brought down taxes. We are willing to take such steps that are necessary to control the price at the bunk. On Russia offering discounts on crude oil, Puri said in a situation characterised by the pandemic in the last two years and the military action taking place between Russia and Ukraine “the government will explore all options which are available”.
