Ready to discuss inclusion of petrol, diesel in GST: Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, Mar 24 (KNN) The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that she would be glad to discuss the suggestion of bringing petrol and diesel under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax at the next meeting of the GST Council.

The minister was referring to concerns raised about high taxes on auto fuel during the debate on Finance Bill 2021 in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Replying to the debate on Finance Bill 2021 in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said both the centre as well as state governments levy taxes on petrol and diesel. However, the Centre shares its collection on the fuel with states.

“If I collect Rs 100 out of taxing petrol or diesel, out of that, Rs 41 goes to states in the next GST Council meeting, if a discussion comes up on inclusion of auto fuel on GST, it will be taken up,'' she added.

I have no issues. Let states come and discuss it. The call has to be taken there (at the Council), the minister said.

The GST Council, headed by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state finance ministers, is the highest decision making body regarding GST.

Earlier in the day, members from the Opposition benches said high prices of diesel, petrol and LPG were hurting the common man across the country and asked the government to reduce their rates.