ABP | Petrol Diesel in GST: Central government ready to bring petrol, diesel under GST- Hardeep Singh Puri

Nov 15,2022

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the central government is ready to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST) but states are less likely to agree on it. Hardeep Singh Puri said that the consent of the states is necessary to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of GST and if the states take initiative in this direction, then the Center is also ready for it.

The Union Minister said, "We have already prepared for this. This is my understanding. However, the second issue is how to implement it. That question should be taken up with the Finance Minister."

There has been a demand for
a long time to bring petrol and diesel under the purview of GST. Amidst the long-standing demand to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of GST, the Petroleum Minister expressed apprehension that there would be a possibility of consensus among the states. Only less. He said that the main source of revenue of the states is the tax on liquor and petroleum products. Puri said, "It is not very difficult to understand that the states get revenue from these. Why would the recipient of the revenue want to leave it? Only the central government is worried about the inflation rate and other things."

Finance ministers of the states were not ready- Hardeep Singh Puri
Referring to the decision of the Kerala High Court, he said that it was suggested to take up the matter in the GST Council, but the finance ministers of the states were not ready on this. He said, "As far as GST is concerned, our or your wishes are in place, we are part of a cooperative federal system."

What is the possibility of a fall in
the prices of petrol and diesel When asked about the possibility of a fall in the prices of petrol and diesel, Puri said, “I am surprised by your question. Morgan Stanley is also saying that India has been in one of the best positions in the world." He said that India has saved itself from the impact of rising crude oil prices by taking steps like reduction in excise duty. He said, "I do not answer hypothetical questions, but the effort of the central government will be that the prices remain stable."

Referring to oil prices in India and America,
Hardeep Singh Puri also said that fuel prices in North America have seen an increase of 43 percent in the last one year, while in India this increase has been only 2 percent. If there is a ray of hope anywhere in the world, it is India. I am not saying this, but the Managing Director of IMF says.