Mumbai: Amid a nationwide outrage over rising fuel prices, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today pitched for bringing petrol and diesel under the purview of GST, saying it would ensure reduction of rates.
“A task force is already working on reducing the fuel prices. If it (petrol and diesel) can be brought under GST, rates will come down,” he told reporters here. He said Maharashtra has already given its consent for bringing petrol and diesel under the purview of GST which was rolled out on July 1 last year but “other states have not given their consent yet.” Fadnavis’ comment came amidst rising prices of petrol and diesel over which the opposition has been targeting the Narendra Modi government.
Talks are going on with finance ministers of all states, Fadnavis said, adding, “Once petrol and diesel are brought under the ambit of GST, its threshold will change, because right now, taxes upon taxes are levied which increases rates. GST will ensure a single tax.”
Noting that petrol and diesel prices are defined by international crude oil rates, the chief minister said the GST Council will also have to look into aspects like revenue losses before taking a decision. Petrol costs Rs 77.47 a litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 68.53.