This is Centre's attempt to save face, fuel prices should be further reduced: KN Balagopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that the current reduction in fuel prices is nominal and that fuel prices should be further reduced. Balagopal criticized that the Centre's attempt is to save face. He clarified that despite the increase in taxes of many states during the Covid period, Kerala did not do so.

But the finance minister, who said the central government's decision would bring relief to the people, did not exactly answer the question of what the state government would do to reduce fuel prices. The Finance Minister replied that Kerala has not increased or decreased fuel prices so far.

The Centre has announced a reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel. The excise duty has been reduced by Rs 5 per litre for petrol and Rs 10 per litre for diesel. The exemption will take effect from midnight today. The move comes amid widespread protests against the central government over skyrocketing fuel prices.