States in no hurry to cut VAT on petrol, diesel

Even though the Centre cut excise duty on petrol and diesel for the second time in seven months, Opposition-ruled states seem to be in no hurry to oblige with value added tax (VAT) cuts to give further relief to consumers.

The BJP-ruled states, which had reduced their taxes following last November’s tax cuts by the Centre, are seeking a reduction in VAT by states where the governments are led by Opposition parties. These states did not cut tax rates then.