Politics over Fuel: Opposition accuses FM Nirmala Sitharaman of “befooling” the public
22 May, 2022 | Pravina Srivastava
The Centre said on Saturday that excise duty on petrol and diesel will be reduced by Rs 8 per litre and Rs 6 per litre, respectively, in a significant step aimed at delivering relief to people
The Centre said on Saturday that excise duty on petrol and diesel will be reduced by Rs 8 per litre and Rs 6 per litre, respectively, in a significant step aimed at delivering relief to people. In tweets, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharmanan announced a reduction in excise duty on gasoline and fuel.
The politics over fuel, however, appears to be continuing, as the opposition accuses Nirmala Sitharaman of “befooling” the public.
The government hiked the excise rate on gasoline by $10 in 60 days, according to Congress top spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, and is now “duping” consumers by lowering it by $9.50.
In a series of tweets, Surjewala stated, “The nation does not require juggling of figures to deceive the people, nor does it require Jumlas; instead, the nation requires a reduction of excise on gasoline and diesel to May 2014 levels of $9.48 per litre for petrol and $3.56 per litre for diesel. Stop lying, and show the bravery to help.”
TMC, on the other hand, said on Saturday that the Centre’s decision to slash fuel prices is an attempt to “fool the people” because it had increased prices by leaps and bounds in the previous few months, and that West Bengal will follow suit once the “economic blockade” is lifted and the funds due to the state are released.
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, a TMC national spokesperson, said the Centre has raised petrol and diesel prices at least 14 times in the last six months and by leaps and bounds in the last year.
He stated that “The costs have now been reduced by Rs 8 and Rs 6 per litre, respectively. This is nothing more than a ruse to deceive the general public. This cut is not enough to bring down inflation”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that the BJP-led government’s measures, particularly the one relating to a considerable drop in fuel and diesel prices, will have a good influence on numerous industries, bring relief to citizens, and advance ‘Ease of Living.’