Chidambaram blames NDA govt for rise in fuel prices
What's the story
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today blamed the NDA government for the rise in petrol and diesel prices, saying it was happening due to excessive taxes.
In a series of tweets, the former Finance Minister also demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the GST immediately.
Chidambaram also said the Central Government blaming the states is a spurious argument.
Twitter Post
Chidambaram blames excessive taxes behind high prices of petro goods
Relentless rise in prices of petrol and diesel is not inevitable. Because, the price is built up by excessive taxes on petrol and diesel. If taxes are cut, prices will decline significantly.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 3, 2018
Details
Congress demands petrol, diesel be brought under GST: Chidambaram
"BJP forgets its boast that BJP is ruling 19 States. Center and States must act together and bring petrol and diesel under GST. Congress demands that petrol and diesel be brought under GST immediately (sic)," Chidambaram tweeted.
Petrol and diesel prices in India touched their highest levels yesterday due to fall in rupee and a sharp rise in crude oil rates.
Petrol, diesel hike
Petrol, diesel prices yesterday rose to a fresh high
Petrol price in Delhi rose to a record Rs. 79.15/liter and diesel climbed to a fresh high of Rs. 71.15, according to price notification of state-owned fuel retailers.
This follows a 31 paise/liter hike in petrol prices yesterday.
Petrol rates have breached the previous high of Rs. 78.43/liter hit on May 28. On that day, the rate in Mumbai was Rs. 86.24/liter.