Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times via Getty Images)Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that crude oil prices cannot be kept low for long by reducing taxes, as oil prices are inherently volatile, DNA has reported.
“The basic problem is that crude prices are volatile. The effect of any measures, including reduction in VAT by the states and the Excise duty by the Centre will not last long due to the volatility in crude prices. And as long as there is no stability in crude prices, this kind of assessment will not be appropriate,” the Minister said.
Currencies are falling due to the strengthening of the US dollar, fall in oil production and rupee depreciation, he added, citing these reasons in support of his view.
The issue of oil prices has become a poll issue ahead of Assembly polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The Union Minister hoped that the BJP would do well in these states in spite of high oil prices.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.