ABP Live | Union Minister Hardeep Puri appeals to oil companies to 'reduce petrol-diesel rates'

Jan 22,2023

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri appealed to the oil companies to reduce the fuel prices. Along with this, he has also targeted the state governments for not reducing VAT. We can maintain balance with oil prices despite the rise in international prices. This is because the Center had reduced the excise duty in November 2021 and May 2022. But, state governments have not reduced VAT, said Hardeep Singh Puri.  

Even after central government reduced VAT, some state governments did not reduce VAT. That is why oil prices are higher in states that have not reduced VAT. I request the oil companies to reduce the oil prices in India if the international oil prices are under control and the under-recovery of their companies is stopped, the Petroleum Minister has appealed.  

India is the third largest importer of fuel in the world
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri was speaking at an event in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Sunday. He said, India is the third largest importer of fuel in the world. India is pursuing domestic oil and gas exploration. It is also diversifying its import base. Along with this, India is moving towards alternative energy sources and using natural gas and green hydrogen as a way of energy security. 

"Boats have now started running on eco-friendly CNG as part of a strategy to reduce noise and air pollution along the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. So far 583 boats have been converted to CNG-powered boats. CNG is being supplied to these boats from the country's first floating CNG station set up by GAIL at Namo Ghat. Minister Hardeep Singh said.