Delhi govt set to cut fuel prices on Tuesday

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Delhi government will decide on Tuesday, at its cabinet meeting, on cutting sales tax on petrol and diesel to partially offset the Central price hike.

Speaking to TOI, chief minister Sheila Dikshit said: “Consumers are hard hit and we have to consider their concerns. On Tuesday, we are holding a cabinet meeting to discuss the issue and will consider ways to reduce the burden of the hike in petrol and diesel rates.”

By all indications, a decision has already been taken following a directive from Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to follow the example of Maharashtra, which on Friday decided to forgo sales tax on the increased component of fuel prices. A day later, Congress government in Andhra Pradesh followed suit, almost confirming that the Delhi cabinet meeting on Tuesday may just be a formality.

The decision of the Congress leadership is being seen as a political masterstroke which has not only cushioned the party from popular hostility to the hike, but also left the opposition fumbling.

Times of India