In his first reaction to the recent spate of fuel price rise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to state governments to help make petrol and diesel cheaper.
During a virtual interaction with Chief Ministers on April 27, PM Modi highlighted high fuel prices in states ruled by Opposition parties. PM Modi said that state governments should reduce Value Added Tax, or VAT, to make fuel cheaper, while flagging rates in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu.
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The Prime Minister also said that his government had reduced excise duties on fuel in November last year to give relief to citizens.
Fuel prices in India
The price of fuel has skyrocketed since the results of the 5 state assembly elections were announced.
On April 27, petrol in the national capital retailed at Rs 105.41 per litre, while diesel was priced at Rs 96.67. In Mumbai, one litre of petrol retailed for Rs 120.51 and a litre of diesel retailed for Rs 104.77.
India imports 85 per cent of its oil needs, and the Ukraine war and escalating sanctions on Russia have hampered oil flow across the globe.