Government hikes diesel prices; LPG and kerosene to cost more

25 Jun 2011 Evaluate

Indian government on Friday hiked the much expected fuel prices in order to reduce the financial or revenue losses of state owned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) which are accruing expected revenue loss of Rs 490 crore everyday. By taking political risk, the Congress led UPA government raised prices of diesel, kerosene and cooking gas by Rs 3/litre, Rs 2/litre and Rs 50 per cylinders respectively. On the other hand, government also removed the custom duty of 5% on crude oil and reduced excise duty on diesel from Rs 4.6 to Rs 2 a litre, it also reduced the import tax on petrol and diesel to 2.5% from 7.5%. This reduction of duties will cost around Rs 49,000 crore to the government.

The decision of increase in diesel, kerosene and domestic cooking gas was taken by empowered group of ministers (EGoM) on fuel prices, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. After the announcement of fuel price hike, finance minister said, 'It is very modest increase. I have taken the risk of reducing the duties substantially... I think it will be around Rs 49,000 crore on account of reduction of import duty and also the excise duty.” 'I do hope the states will also reduce their VATs (Value Added Tax) so that relief could be given to the consumer.' Finance Minister added.

The increased fuel prices will reduce the revenue losses of state owned OMCs by Rs 21, 000 in current financial year. The recovery from increased fuel prices is lower than reduced custom and excise duties, the government is losing around Rs 49,000 crore, out of this, Rs 26,000 crore from the import duties and Rs 23,000 crore from excise on diesel. However, revenue losses of public owned OMCs would still remain around Rs 1,20,000 crore for present financial year. Currently, OMCs are incurring a revenue loss of Rs 1,66,712 crore due to selling diesel, kerosene and domestic cooking gas on subsidized rates.

This decision of reducing duties on crude oil and product is likely to put pressure on the country’s fiscal situation. The government is losing around Rs 49,000 crore and earlier it had provided Rs 23,000 crore in the budget for oil subsidies. The government is struggling to meet the fiscal deficit target of 4.6% of the GDP, due to slowdown in economic growth. This move of government is also viewed as inflationary as the diesel and domestic cooking gas account for more than 5.6% of wholesale price index (WPI) and this raised fuel prices are expected to increase inflation further. The headline inflation for month of May rose to 9.06% from 8.66% in April. The increased price of diesel will increase the transportation cost and increased cost will virtually increase the prices of all goods in the country. 

© 2025 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×