Fuel Price Hike: Let Centre Reduce VAT First, Says Odisha Minister

Odisha Food and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain on Thursday blamed the Centre for the sky-rocketing rise in the prices of petrol and diesel in the country.

Swain alleged that post-elections, fuel prices are being increased almost daily. “The central government is fully responsible for fuel price hike,” he said.

When asked whether the Odisha government will reduce VAT on petrol and diesel, Swain shot back , ‘Let the Centre reduce VAT first.”

In another development, Swain said that paddy has been procured from a record 1.10 lakh farmers this season. " We had given an additional one month time for procurement. Appropriate action will be taken if any allegations surface," he added.

The petrol and diesel prices remained steady across the country after being hiked for five consecutive days.

This is only the third time in the last 17 days that the fuel prices have remained unchanged. So far prices have increased by roughly Rs 10 per litre across major cities. 

Petrol in the National Capital of Delhi currently retails at Rs 105.41 per litre, after the last hike of 80 paise. Diesel in the city is priced at Rs 96.67. In Mumbai, a litre of petrol and diesel cost Rs 120.51 and Rs 104.77, respectively.