In a relief to citizens, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday announced a reduction in fuel prices in the state. The Chief Minister has announced a Rs 2 cut in the cess of both petrol and diesel. Karnataka is the fourth state after Rajasthan, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh to have reduced state taxes on petrol and diesel.
An official from the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed the decision and added that a government order detailing the same would be passed immediately. "The CM has taken the decision after consulting with the Finance Department and an order will be issued shortly," said an official at the CM office.
CM Kumaraswamy had hinted at a cut in fuel prices last week and had discussed the issue with the state's Finance Department. The decision comes two months after the state government had increased tax on petrol and diesel by 2% each while announcing the budget.
The petrol and diesel prices in Bengaluru had risen to Rs. 84.80 and Rs. 76.2 per litre respectively, as of Sunday. It has now dropped to Rs. 82.80 and Rs. 74.20 respectively.
In Delhi, fuel prices have been capped off at 82.06 rupees per litre, while diesel has been priced at 73.78 rupees, having increased 6 paise. The price of fuel is reportedly highest in Mumbai at 89.44 rupees per litre of petrol and 78.33 rupees per litre of diesel.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reduced the tax on fuel by Rs 2.50 last week, following which Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced his decision to make a similar cut in the state.
BJP President Amit Shah had earlier stated that the centre would come up with an effective way to reduce the rates of fuel prices.
The JD(S)-Congress coalition government in Karnataka was under pressure to reduce prices after both parties were part of a nation-wide protest against rising fuel prices on September 10.