Cut fuel cess: Centre tells chief ministers
Agencies
New Delhi, 26 June 2011: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has asked all chief ministers to reduce state cesses on LPG and diesel even as the Opposition held protest rallies across the country against the fuel price hike.
Under pressure from all directions, the Congress continues to be in damage control mode. Just a day after hiking fuel prices - the party is trying hard to contain the situation.
Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee will write to all chief ministers to cut state cess on LPG and diesel.
West bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has taken the lead. LPG in her state will be Rs 16 cheaper. An ally of the UPA - She had slammed the Central government for the hike.
The Opposition - the BJP and the Left - have both asked for an immediate rollback.