New Delhi, March 15: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has stated that nine states did not reduce VAT on petrol and diesel after the Centre's move to reduce excise on petroleum products.
"When we saw that relief needs to be provided to consumers, Prime Minister slashed rates on November 5, 2021. We took some steps and were ready to take more. Nine states did not do it. Taxation is only one aspect. We have to provide relief to consumers at the point of consumption," the Union Minister said while answering a query in Rajya Sabha on the prices of petroleum products.
"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," Puri said.
Comparing the hike in petrol prices, Puri said it has been significantly higher in the countries like USA, Canada and Sri Lanka.
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"I have the comparative data for the USA, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Sri Lanka and India. In all those countries, the price of petrol during this representative period has gone up by 50 percent, 55 percent, 58 percent and 55 percent. In India, it has gone up only by 5 percent," the Union Minister argued.
He further said that the government will explore all possible options to meet the country's energy demand amid the Ukraine crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Conversations had taken place at an appropriate level of the Russian Federation and discussions were underway, the minister added.
"It is a dynamic situation characterised by military warfare, I would be happy to share details when finalised," Puri stated.
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-PTC News