Odisha considering Centre's request to reduce fuel prices

Odisha government Thursday said it will look into Central government's request to states to provide additional relief on the fuel price.

Announcing the Centre's decision to cut petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2.50 a litre, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asked the state governments to match the move with a similar reduction in sales tax or VAT.

"We are examining the appeal made by the Union Finance Minister in regard to give relief to the people on fuel price," Odisha Finance minister S B Behera told reporters here.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said: "I request Odisha Chief Minister Naveen to reduce Rs 2.50 as other states did."

Pradhan said: "You (Patnaik) may have a political difference with the central government, but the state also has a responsibility towards the poor and common men. Therefore, I hope that the Odisha government will also reduce the tax on the petrol and diesel."

(With inputs from agencies.)