Fuel prices hit 55-month high, Leaders pitch for GST coverage

As far as Chennai is concerned, the cost of one litre of petrol will be Rs 76.85 from April 20. In Mumbai, the price of petrol per litre will be Rs 81.93, Rs 76.78 in Kolkata and Rs 74.08 in Delhi. 

Similarly, diesel will cost Rs 68.90 a litre in Chennai, Rs 68.01 a litre in Kolkata and Rs 65.31 a litre in Delhi. The rise in rates is attributed to increasing crude oil prices in the global market and taxes levied by the Centre and state governments. 

The previous highest in the case of petrol was Rs 83.60 per litre in Mumbai in September 2013. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in series of tweets said, “Crude oil price at $74 per barrel is still lower than $105 four years ago. So, why are petrol/ diesel prices higher today than they were in May 2014?” Chidambaram added, “BJP boasts that it is ruling 22 states. 

Then, why does the BJP-led NDA government refuse to bring petroleum and petroleum products under GST?” Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday stressed the need to bring petroleum products under GST to provide relief to the common man. 

Both the central and state governments have started making up their mind in this regard, he said.