The government today reiterated that it will explore all possible options to meet the country’s energy demand in view of the Ukraine crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, the government has contacted the Russian federation and discussion is underway over several issues.
On petroleum prices, the Minister said, prices of petrol and diesel have been determined by several international and national factors. He said the Centre has taken steps to bring down the prices of petrol and diesel by reducing excise duty last November to provide relief to the consumers.
Mr. Puri said, nine states have not brought down duties levied on petrol and diesel. Giving the comparative data of various countries, the Minister said, prices of petrol and diesel have increased marginally in India in comparison to prices raised in various countries including USA, Canada, Germany, UK and France in recent times.
