New Delhi:
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has voiced concerns over diesel engine vehicles in India, signaling potential price hikes.
Nitin Gadkari’s Statement
At an event organized by SIAM in Delhi, Minister Gadkari highlighted the severity of pollution and its adverse impact on health.
He mentioned drafting a letter for the Finance Minister.
In his letter, he proposed a 10% additional GST on diesel engines to expedite their transformation, citing the need for quick action.
Minister Gadkari urged vehicle manufacturers to prioritize electric and alternative fuel vehicles over traditional petrol and diesel options to combat pollution effectively.
Existing Tax on Diesel Vehicles
In a follow-up statement at the same event, Gadkari noted that diesel vehicle numbers had decreased from 22% to 18% since 2014.
He emphasized the importance of halting the growth of diesel vehicles within the expanding automobile industry, hinting at recommending additional taxes if pollution levels did not decrease.
Social Media Clarification
After this statement, a subsequent tweet from the Minister’s account clarified his stand.
He informed that the government was not actively considering the proposed 10% GST hike on diesel vehicles at this time.
