This refers to the edit “Getting prices right” (June 28). It is clear that the Centre and state governments are not serious about having a sensible taxation policy for petroleum products. They are also guilty of allowing a parallel and black money-driven distribution network of subsidised kerosene.
In fact, state governments are happy because their revenue increases with every petrol or diesel price increase. However, they cannot continue to behave in such a callous manner. Mamata Banerjee’s government has taken the first step by reducing the VAT on LPG. Senior representatives of the government at the Centre and in states must decide on a permanent response to crude price increase and the subsequent increase in prices of petroleum products.
Also, it is time to take a decision on two important issues. First, the uncontrolled increase in the number of two-wheelers and fuel-guzzling four-wheelers in the country. And, second, the taxation policy for diesel-run vehicles. In this context, the central government can appropriately increase the excise duty on diesel cars and other utility vehicles so that those who buy such diesel-run vehicles pay for cheap diesel in advance.
Narendra M Apte, Pune
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