BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Hema Malini praised the government’s move to reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre each. This decision aims to ease the impact of rising global oil prices. Thakur expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reduction in excise duty, stating that it will bring relief to businesses and the public amidst soaring fuel prices worldwide.
The excise duty cut in India comes at a time of global energy crisis due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Thakur highlighted that India stands out as one of the few countries to reduce excise duty, benefiting all citizens. He criticized the Congress for increasing Value Added Tax (VAT) in the past, contrasting it with the current government’s efforts to alleviate the burden on the public.
Thakur also raised concerns about the Himachal Pradesh government’s plans to impose an additional cess on petrol and diesel. He emphasized the contrast between the government’s decision to reduce excise duties and the alleged actions of the Congress. Hema Malini echoed the sentiment, supporting the government’s initiative to lower excise on fuel, emphasizing its positive impact on the public.
The government clarified that the excise reduction will not lead to changes in retail pump prices for petrol and diesel. Instead, it will help reduce under-recoveries incurred by public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). These companies have been supplying fuel to consumers in India below their cost of supply, with current under-recoveries estimated at around Rs 26 per litre for petrol and Rs 81.90 per litre for diesel.
