NEW DELHI: The central government has informed that raising the price of rubber to Rs 300 is not under consideration. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Anupriya Patel made this announcement while replying to Dean Kuriakos MP's question.

At the same time, in order to control imports, the tax has been increased from 20 to 30 percent and the Union Minister clarified that any imported rubber must be used within six months. Additionally, the duty on compound rubber has been raised from 10 to 25 percent.

The controversial remark of Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani suggests that if the price of rubber is increased to Rs 300, the problem of the lack of MPs in Kerala from the ruling party at the center will be solved.