"I will look into the possibilities of reducing cess on petrol soon after the elections to the legislative council. For now, I can't comment on the issue due to model code of conduct," he told reporters.
The statement comes in the wake of state BJP spokesperson C T Ravi urging Gowda to emulate the BJP government in neighbouring Goa in reducing cess on petrol to reduce the burden on the common man imposed by the recent steepest ever hike of Rs 7.50 per litre.
Strongly condemning the Central government for the hike in petrol price, Gowda claimed if the UPA did not address the issue, Chief Ministers and Ministers would have to use cycles for official work.
"During UPA tenure, the hike in petroleum products has been effected many times. The UPA should address the issue as soon as possible," he added.
Gowda said the latest hike had added to the woes of the common people, who are already hit by rising inflation.
"The UPA government should immediately withdraw the steep petrol hike," he added.