Punjab BJP Leader Applauds PM Modi for Fuel Tax Relief
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, March 27 (NationPress) Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar on Friday conveyed his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing a significant measure aimed at alleviating the financial strain on the public due to escalating global fuel prices. The excise duty on petrol has been slashed from Rs 13 to Rs 3 per litre, while the Rs 10 duty on diesel has been entirely eliminated. In light of ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, crude oil prices have surged from approximately $70 per barrel to nearly $122 per barrel over the past month.
This spike has resulted in a substantial increase in petrol and diesel prices globally, soaring by 30 to 50 percent in Southeast Asia, about 30 percent in North America, 20 percent in Europe, and roughly 50 percent in Africa. During this period, India has notably emerged as an exception.
BJP Chief Jakhar remarked that in these challenging times, the government faced two choices: either to raise prices like many other nations, passing the burden onto the public, or to absorb the financial strain to provide relief. He noted, “The Modi government opted for the latter, striving to shield ordinary citizens from the impact of global inflation.”
Jakhar emphasized that the Prime Minister is acutely aware of the difficulties faced by the common populace and is adept at addressing these challenges. He further asserted that this decision will not only alleviate the heavy losses incurred by oil companies but also ensure that the general public does not suffer additional financial burdens. By making a substantial reduction in tax revenue, the government has placed public welfare above all else.
Additionally, he pointed out that an export duty of Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on ATF has been instituted to guarantee sufficient domestic availability and to prevent the exploitation of international price disparities. “This decision illustrates that even amid difficult global circumstances, the government prioritizes economic stability and public welfare,” Jakhar concluded.