New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced Thursday that his government would reduce value added tax (VAT) on fuel, bringing down petrol and diesel prices by Rs 5 and Rs 3 per litre respectively.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded the move as a “great relief to Maharashtrian (sic) and Marathi Manus”.
Fadnavis also said this was a step towards the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “benefit common citizens”.
While announcing the decision, Chief Minister Shinde said the cut would cost the state exchequer Rs 6,000 crore but would help bring down inflation.
The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting held Thursday – the second after the new government was sworn in two weeks ago.
Capital Mumbai, which has among the highest fuel prices in the country, will now get to buy petrol for Rs 106.35 per litre and diesel Rs 94.28 per litre.
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