Raipur: Amid rising petrol and diesel prices, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said the Central government is appealing to the states to reduce VAT on petrol and diesel to provide relief to consumers. Puri had come to Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh, which was declared an aspirational district under a scheme of the Centre. He was here to take stock of various government schemes as part of the countrywide 'Social Justice Fortnight' programme being celebrated on the call of PM Narendra Modi.

On the question of rising prices of petrol and diesel, Union Minister Puri said, "We are doing everything possible to ensure that the prices are under control. That is why the central government had reduced the excise duty on petrol and diesel last year.'' We have asked the states to do the same. "Vat on petrol and diesel in Chhattisgarh is 24 per cent. If it is reduced to 10 per cent, the prices will automatically come down and the demand will increase. However, 10 per cent VAT is also very high.''

Puri said that VAT on petrol and diesel has been reduced in all BJP-ruled states of the country. Regarding the Mahasamund yatra, he said, "I had visited the PHC (Primary Health Centre) in Pateva village earlier in the day. I am satisfied to see the arrangements for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme there. Apart from this, he also visited Mahasamund Medical College.'' From here, he went to the District Panchayat office and held a meeting to review the work being done under the aspirational district function.

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