Jaipur: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri raised concerns about the high petrol prices in Rajasthan, attributing them to substantial taxes imposed by the state's Congress government. According to Puri, the government in Rajasthan has amassed a staggering ₹35,975 crore in taxes on petrol and diesel over the past two fiscal years, up to November 2022-23.

To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Puri compared Rajasthan's tax collection to that of 18 other states and union territories, including Delhi, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and others. The cumulative tax collection from these regions amounted to ₹32,597 crore, indicating a significant difference.

Puri pointed out that while the average petrol price across the country is ₹96.72 per litre, in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, it spikes to ₹113.34 per litre. This observation gains particular significance in the context of the upcoming elections in Rajasthan.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who had suggested that the central government was responsible for higher taxes on petrol and diesel, Puri urged Gehlot to address the tax situation prevailing within his own state.

The timing of these statements aligns with the imminent elections for the 200-member Rajasthan assembly, scheduled for November 25, with results expected to be declared on December 3. The debate on fuel prices is likely to play a significant role in shaping political discourse ahead of the polls.

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