Opposition members in the State Assembly on Tuesday voiced concern over rising prices of petroleum products and essential items.
They demanded that the State Government reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to control the price rise.
Participating in an adjournment motion debate, Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra blamed both the State and Central Governments for the rising prices of essential commodities.
He said the value of the rupee has depreciated against the dollar.
In the international market, crude oil prices have fallen sharply in recent months. Despite that, the prices of fuels are not decreasing in the State and the country as well.
Stating that the gap between the poor and the rich is growing, Mishra said a 5% GST on the favourite food items like puffed and flattened rice has been imposed that would impact the poor and the middleclass.
The State Government has the power to cut prices if it wants to, he said.
Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said the price of petrol has risen from Rs 71 per litre in 2014 to Rs 105 in 2022. Similarly, diesel was priced at Rs 56 while it now costs Rs 102. The Central Government is levying tax of Rs 39.80 per litre of petrol while the State Government is levying Rs 26 as VAT.
Opposition Chief Whip Mohan Charan Majhi (BJP) said the State Government has a big role to play in controlling price rise. Eggs, fish, flowers, fruits are being imported to the State from outside. The State has no sufficient cold storages for storing fruits and vegetables.
It the State Government reduces the VAT on petrol and diesel and the petroleum products come under GST purview, the prices of fuel can be controlled.
Replying to the debate, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the Central Government has a greater role to play in controlling prices.
The State Government is also reducing VAT on petrol and diesel. The VAT on diesel has been reduced from 32% to 28% and on petrol from 28% to 24%. As a result, prices for consumer goods have dropped, the Minister informed.
Besides, the State Government is always in talks with the district administrations to control the prices of essential products, added Nayak.