Mumbai: Excise duty on petrol and diesel was reduced by the Central government before Deepawali, making petrol and diesel cheaper by Rs 5 and Rs 10 respectively in all states. Thereafter, some states also reduced VAT, which further reduced the fuel prices in those states. But Maharashtra has not taken any decision on it so far. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar and MP Arvind Sawant have hit out at the Centre on behalf of the Maharashtra government.

Sharad Pawar said that "the Central Government should first pay the amount of GST of Maharashtra which is outstanding against it. Thereafter, the State Government will take a decision on reducing the tax on petrol and diesel. Pawar said, "The state government will definitely provide relief to the people. The Government must take such steps, but first the Central Government should pay the dues of GST to the State Government." Pawar said "the Maharashtra government has also said this to the Central government."

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, on the other hand, said that "the Central government is beating the drum by reducing it by five rupees (on petrol)."  He said "that if the Central Government reduces excise duty further, it is the individuals themselves who will start getting cheaper fuel." Sawant also raised the issue of GST share. He said "the state government will also work to provide relief to the people on receipt of GST shares." He said "the VAT in BJP territories has been reduced due to political reasons."

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