Centre should slash fuel prices by Rs 10 a litre: TMC

The All India Trinamool Congress demanded Thursday the Centre slash fuel prices by at least Rs 10 a litre after the government announced a Rs 2.50 per litre cut in petrol and diesel prices.

"Fuel prices should be slashed by Rs 10 at least," the party, which is in power in West Bengal and among the most strident critics of the Narendra Modi government, said in a tweet.

The government Thursday announced a Rs 2.50 per litre cut in petrol and diesel prices after it reduced excise duty by Rs 1.50 a litre and asked oil companies to absorb another Re 1.

Its spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Derek O' Brien tweeted, "What price cut? Withdraw all excise. India has the most expensive fuel in South Asia. Why is BJP government unable to control oil prices? BJP government increased the tax on petrol by Rs 10. Increased diesel tax by Rs. 11.77. Bengal never ever raised, only cut fuel tax (sic)".