Prices of petrol and diesel have been on fire since last few days. Prices have crossed 100 in some districts of India. Prices have crossed 90 in most cities including Delhi. The biggest blame for this price increase is being given to the taxes of the central and state governments. There is a demand once again to bring petrol and diesel under the purview of GST. According to experts, even if petrol and diesel are kept at a higher rate of GST, the current price can be reduced to half.

It is not that the government is not discussing this. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have also given its hint. If we pay attention to the current arrangement of tax, the Central Government levies excise duty on petrol and diesel and the state governments levy VAT. The burden of both these taxes are so high that petrol of 35 rupees is reaching 90 to 100 rupees per liter in all the states. Talking about petrol diesel, the Center has imposed an excise duty of Rs 32.98 a liter and Rs 31.83 a liter respectively.

Besides, petrol-diesel is also a major source of revenue for the state. While determining GST on 1 July 2017, the government kept petrol and diesel out of its purview. At present, there are 4 primary GST rates in the country - 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. The central and state governments are charging more than 100% tax in the name of excise and VAT on petrol and diesel. If the government covers petroleum products under GST, then there will be a uniform fuel price in India. Prices may be reduced to half.

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