Union Petroleum Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced a significant promise at a recent poll event in Jaipur. He asserted that if the BJP secures victory in the upcoming November 25 Assembly elections in Rajasthan, the price of petrol in the state will witness a noteworthy reduction.
Addressing the audience, Minister Puri stated, “Upon the BJP assuming power in Rajasthan, we commit to aligning the petrol prices in the state with the national average, excluding states under opposition rule. This adjustment will result in a substantial reduction, making petrol at least ₹11.80 per litre cheaper.”
Mr. Puri attributed the current high petrol prices in Rajasthan to additional cess imposed by the Congress government. He accused the government of collecting ₹35,975 crore from extra levies on petrol and diesel over the past two years.
“In the last fiscal years, the Rajasthan government amassed ₹35,975 crore through additional cess on petrol and diesel until November 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. Remarkably, Rajasthan alone collected ₹2,000 crore more than the combined total of 18 other states and Union Territories,” he claimed.
Comparing tax collections, Mr. Puri highlighted that the 18 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and others, amassed ₹32,597 crore from additional fuel cess.
“Presently, the nationwide average petrol price stands at ₹96.72 per litre. However, in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, the prevailing rate is ₹113.34 per litre,” the Union Minister remarked, emphasizing the urgency for change.
In response to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s accusations regarding increased central taxes on fuel, Mr. Puri urged him to address matters within the state first.
The outcome of the Rajasthan Assembly elections will be determined on December 3, with the Congress securing 99 seats and the BJP finishing with 73 seats in the 2018 assembly elections.
