Fuel for thought

Mr Gadkari's statement reflects a valid policy concern

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari sent automobile stocks into a tailspin when he suggested that the government might increase goods and services tax (GST) on diesel vehicles by 10 percentage points, only to retract the statement 90 minutes later on X. Clearly, senior ministers should be more careful while speaking in public. But more serious thought should be applied to the intent behind Mr Gadkari’s statement. Speaking at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), he pointed out that the automobile industry must reduce the production of high-carbon-emitting vehicles. “Say goodbye to diesel... Please stop making them, otherwise