The Congress’ promise of bringing fuel under the goods and services tax (GST) if voted to power raises the hope of a lighter burden on consumers. But it may be too early for anyone to rejoice. Going by the stance taken by state representatives of both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it seems unlikely that the move will see the light of day, irrespective of which party leads the next government.
In principle, both parties claim they are in its favour, but this has proved to be nothing more than political posturing so far. In meetings of the GST Council, of which key ministers of all states are members, both parties have opposed any such move. States would rather tax fuel as they see fit. After all, fuel is a cash cow for their coffers, given that its consumption rarely ever falls as prices rise.
