Govt looks up to Centre for lowering fuel prices

Chief Minister Raghubar Das when asked about measures to control fuel prices replied that the government was looking for step coming from the Centre. He at the same also hinted to step in at the right time.

“The Union Petroleum Minister has said that the Government is looking to the ways to bring down prices. Some steps would be taken in couple of days. As far as bringing down VAT on petrol and diesel in the State is concerned we would examine the matter and chip in if required,” said the CM on Wednesday.

On the other, Opposition Congress has decided to observe ‘betrayal day’ on May 25 across the country against the fuel prices touching to a new high everyday. The protest would take place at all the district headquarters on the day when the Narendra Modi Government completes four years into power.

Addressing a press conference Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Alok Kumar Dubey alleged the Government for playing into the hands of oil marketing companies at the cost of the common man.

“Crude oil prices were highest of a decade, 140 dollar per barrel, in 2009-10 and even then the fuel prices were not as high as it is now. Today the price at international market is around 80 dollar per barrel. People are appalled and failed to understand why it so,” said Dubey.

He further explained the breakup and said that larger of the fuel price going to the Government coffers in the form of taxes was the main cause behind that surge. “Maximum portion of the fuel prices makes the tax. The Modi Government has hiked excise duty on fuel as many as 11 times after coming to power in 2014 and put burden on the common man. The party has decided to expose the Government for this. Congress believes that the Government has lost the faith of the people. We would be observing ‘betrayal day’ on the completion of this Government’s four years into power on May 25 at every district,” said the leader.

He also referred to lowered prices of crude that came down to 26-27 dollar a barrel in recent past and said that even then the consumers were not passed on the advantage in correct proportion while providing details of revenue collection from petrol and diesel which jumped from Rs 1.26 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 2.73 lakh crore in 2017-18.

“Their income has doubled through fuel prices while people are screaming under cascading effect felt in the form of costlier commodity prices, vegetables, fare etc. Profit of oil marketing companies is also going up. If fuel prices are not brought under control it would lead to further inflation. The Congress demands brining fuel under GST which would place it under 28 per cent tax slab, much lower than current,” said Dubey.