People's Democracy

LF Govt Reduces Sales Tax in Petrol, Diesel

IN a pro-people gesture, the Bengal Left Front government has decided to bring down the sales tax on petrol from 25 per cent to 20 per cent, and that on diesel from 17 per cent  to 12.5 per cent.  As a result, the enhanced retail price of petrol and diesel due to centre's unjustified hike shall be reduced for the people of Bengal by Rs 2.12 for petrol per litre and by Rs 1.38 per litre for diesel.  

The act remains that the measure, taken in the interest of the people, befitting a Left Front government, will entail a revenue loss of a minimum of Rs 500 crore in a financial year.

The state LF government has made two formal requests to the UPA government.  First, the central government should reconsider the stiff increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas.  Second, the UPA government should reduce by a substantial amount the token decrease of Rs 1 per litre it has done in terms of excise duty on the petro goods.

State finance minister Dr Asim Dasgupta made known the decisions of the state LF government at a press meet at the Writers' Buildings.

(BP)