Dharmendra Pradhan 'helpless' on hike of VAT in petro products by states

PATNA: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said he would like the pricing of petroleum products to be consumer-friendly.

His remarks came against the backdrop of a VAT hike effected by some states to mobilise additional revenue.

"It's a complicated thing," he told reporters here.

Pradhan expressed his helplessness when he said "he cannot do anything on states hiking VAT on petroleum products, but would like the prices to be consumer-friendly".

Uttar Pradesh and Delhi governments have recently raised VAT on petro products.

Given variations in tax rates on consumer products, the Centre has proposed a uniform rate under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, pending Parliament approval.

On the status of voluntary surrender of subsidised LPG, Pradhan said so far 12 lakh consumers have done so.