Oppn’s bharat bandh today as fuel prices see another jump

NEW DELHI: The Congress said on Sunday petrol and diesel should be brought under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax as it claimed the support of about 20 political parties for a nationwide protest on Monday against rising fuel prices.

Petrol was selling in Delhi on Sunday at a record price of ₹80.50 per litre, while diesel rose 10 paise to ₹72.61 per litre amid a surge in rates over the past month that has increased pressure on the government to find a solution for relief to consumers. The Congress had called a ‘Bharat Bandh’ on September 10 in protest, saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government had “profited from the fuel loot”.

“Congress party has called for a nationwide ‘Bharat Bandh’ against the continuous rise in petrol and diesel prices and the drop in rupee’s value against US dollar. The bandh will be violencefree. We request all the businessmen to support us in this,” Congress leader Ajay Maken said on Sunday.

“In last four years, excise duty has increased by 211.7% on petrol and 443 percent on diesel. In May 2014, excise duty on petrol was ₹9.2, while now it is ₹19.48. Similarly, on diesel excise duty was ₹3.46 in May 2014, however, it is now ₹15.33,” he added.

The Congress said bringing fuel under GST would lead to a drop of ₹15-18 in prices.

Almost half of the retail selling price of petrol and diesel is made up of central and state taxes.