Government must take steps to check fuel prices: Traders

BHUBANESWAR: Traders association have urged the government to check fuel prices. Over the past four days, the petrol and diesel prices have seen an increase of Re 1 per litre. The traders association said the government increased fuel price to collect and generate additional revenue for management of the unprecedented Covid situation in the country.
“Once the infrastructure is ready and with the drop in cases, the government should think of reducing the fuel prices. The increase is directly impacting the prices of essential commodities and consumers are bearing the brunt, said Sudhakar Panda, secretary of Odisha Byabasayee Sangha.
Petrol prices have been above Rs 100 for the last several months in the city. On Monday, petrol and diesel prices in Bhubaneswar stood at Rs 103.04 per litre and Rs 98.77 per litre respectively. Malkangiri recorded the highest fuel price in the state at Rs 108 per litre while diesel prices in most places of the state was above Rs 100 per litre. People belonging to the middle class, who have been facing financial constraints due to the pandemic, said the price rise has been disturbing their family budget and festive spending plans.
“There is no end to our problems and difficulties. The hike in fuel prices is directly affecting the prices of essential commodities. Due to the pandemic, many companies have slashed salaries and businesses are also down due to prolonged lockdown,” said Tapan Kumar Biswal, a stationary shop owner.
Sources said the Centre increased excise duty on petrol by Rs 10 per litre and Rs 13 per litre on diesel in May 2020. Similarly, the state government has also increased VAT on petrol from 26% to 32% and VAT on diesel from 26% to 28% in May that year. This this has led to an increase in petrol price by Rs 3.14 per litre and Rs 1.04 per litre on diesel across Odisha. “If taxes on petrol and diesel are fixed then it will have less impact on consumers. But the government is reluctant in bring petrol and diesel from VAT to GST,” said Sanjay Lath, general secretary of Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association.
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