‘Petrol prices not coming down as states don’t want it under GST’

New Delhi: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri blaim states for the rise in Petrol and Diesel prices. He said Petrol prices in the country are not coming down as the states do not want to bring fuel under the ambit of the GST.

In a media interview, Puri said petrol prices crossed the Rs 100-mark in West Bengal as the TMC government is levying heavy taxes. but he forget to mention why BJP governed states doing the same.

“The Centre charges Rs 32 per litre (as taxes on petrol). We charged Rs 32 per litre when the fuel price was $19 per barrel, and we are still charging the same even when the price rose to $75 per barrel. With this Rs 32 per litre, we provide free ration, free housing and Ujjawala, among several other schemes, to the people,” he said.

Puri said the West Bengal government increased prices by Rs 3.51 per litre in July, resulting in the petrol crossing the century-mark. “The combined taxation is around 40% here (West Bengal). It is very easy to make statements. Had you (TMC government) not increased the price by Rs 3.51, then it would have been still under Rs 100 per litre,” he said.