Fuel Prices will Come Down as Winter Goes Away: Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the prices of petrol and diesel is likely to drop as winter ends and attributed the rising rates to an increase in demand during the season.

Further, the minister also urged the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council to bring petroleum products under GST purview at the earliest.

He said that if petroleum products are brought under GST purview, it will be a big relief for the common man.

Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman answered it is a 'Dharam Sankat' when asked about petrol and diesel price reduction.

"I won't be able to say 'when'.. it is a 'dharam sankat' (dilemma)...," says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Ahmedabad, after being asked when would the Central Government reduce fuel prices," said the minister.

Further, the minister stated that both the Centre and states should talk with each other over reducing taxes on petrol and diesel whose prices have risen sharply in recent weeks.

Notably, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das also said there is a need for coordinated action between the Centre and state governments to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel prices. "There is a need for coordinated action between the Centre and the States because there are inherent taxes levied by both," the Governor said, adding that "calibrated reduction of taxes is important."

Opposition parties have been holding agitations in different parts of the country over the rising fuel prices with some leaders including Mamata Banerjee.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rode a pillion on an electric scooter in protest against the surging fuel prices in the country. Helmet clad Mamata was seen sitting behind state minister Firhad Hakim during the journey from Hazra More to the state secretariat.

She also put on a placard hung around her in protest against the rise in fuel prices. The placard, bearing a demonic face, read: "What is in your mouth? Petrol price hike. Diesel price hike. Cooking gas price hike"

Mamata slammed the ruling government who according to her only make false promises and have done nothing to bring down the fuel prices. She also emphasized the difference in petrol prices when the Modi Government came to power and the present situation.

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