Congress leaders expressed mixed views on the Central government’s decision to reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per liter each. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a Congress MP, welcomed any relief but called for a more comprehensive approach. In contrast, party leader Pawan Khera pointed out that the reduction benefits oil marketing companies rather than consumers.
The excise duty cut by the Central government comes amidst concerns of rising crude oil prices due to the global energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict and the resulting blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Khera questioned the target beneficiaries of the price reduction, emphasizing that consumers have not seen a decrease in fuel prices despite the cut.
Khera criticized the Central government for increasing excise duty on fuel numerous times over the past decade. He highlighted that despite the excise reduction, retail pump prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged, with the benefits not being passed on to consumers directly. Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh echoed public sentiment, questioning why domestic fuel prices did not reflect global crude oil price fluctuations over the years.
Singhvi, a Congress Rajya Sabha member, acknowledged the necessity of the excise duty reduction to alleviate petrol-related issues. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive plan to address the broader impacts of the price cut. Singhvi stressed the need for timely and appropriate measures in response to the ongoing energy crisis, urging a proactive approach to mitigate potential hardships for the public.
