New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Hema Malini expressed their support on Friday for the central government's recent decision to reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre each. This move lowers petrol excise duty to Rs 3 per litre and completely removes the duty on diesel, aiming to alleviate the effects of rising global oil prices.

This adjustment comes in light of concerns regarding potential price increases resulting from the global energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing reporters outside Parliament, BJP MP Anurag Thakur stated, "We extend our heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for lowering the previously high excise duties on petrol and diesel. This decision will provide substantial relief to both businesses and everyday citizens during a time when fuel prices have escalated internationally."

Thakur emphasized, "India might be the only nation where excise duties have been reduced, benefiting all its citizens."

Furthermore, he criticized the Congress party for increasing the Value Added Tax (VAT), which he claims has burdened voters.

Thakur remarked, "Conversely, the Congress party has historically imposed additional VAT in states under its administration, putting a strain on the public."

He also accused the Himachal Pradesh government of planning to introduce an extra cess on petrol and diesel, which would adversely affect the common populace.

"The Himachal Pradesh Congress government is allegedly moving towards implementing a Rs 5 cess on petrol and diesel, adding to the burden on the public," he commented.

However, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reportedly clarified that the cess has not yet been implemented.

"This highlights the difference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, who have made a decision in favor of the public by cutting excise duties by Rs 10 on both diesel and petrol," he added.

Thakur further criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his "khatakhat model," asserting that the public is facing inflation because of this approach.

BJP MP Hema Malini also praised the government's decision to reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel.

In her remarks to IANS, she stated, "This reduction in excise duty is beneficial for the public, and our government is acting appropriately."

Meanwhile, the government has clarified that retail prices at the pump for petrol and diesel will remain unchanged, and the excise reduction will not directly translate into lower prices at the pump.

Instead, it will primarily reduce the under-recoveries that public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation — are currently absorbing. These companies have been supplying fuel to Indian consumers at prices significantly lower than their actual cost, as noted by the Petroleum Ministry.

Currently, under-recoveries are estimated at around Rs 26 per litre for petrol and Rs 81.90 per litre for diesel.