Mumbai, May 15: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed key issues regarding global conditions, fuel prices, the aviation sector, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security in a recent interview with a news agency.
Goyal highlighted that discussions are ongoing about several policy changes due to the situation in the Middle East, with final decisions expected soon. He noted that while many countries are experiencing significant increases in petrol and diesel prices due to rising tensions in West Asia, India has managed to keep the impact relatively low.
“Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sensitive leadership, the central government has taken on additional economic burdens,” Goyal stated. He mentioned that the government reduced excise duty by ₹10 to lessen the inflationary impact on the public.
In the fertilizer sector, the government has also spent approximately ₹3,000 crore to provide relief to farmers, ensuring that there has been no increase in fertilizer prices. This has resulted in the government needing to provide substantial subsidies.
Regarding the decision to reduce VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), Goyal emphasized that this move will greatly benefit the civil aviation sector and the tourism industry. The government has decided to cut VAT on ATF from 18% to 7%.
He acknowledged that the civil aviation sector is currently under significant pressure and that this decision will strengthen the sector in the long run while also boosting tourism. Goyal commented on opposition-ruled states, stating that very few remain, and they should learn from this decision.
When asked about Prime Minister Modi’s security, Goyal clarified that it is not a demand from the opposition; rather, the Prime Minister himself has reduced his security arrangements.
“We are concerned about the Prime Minister’s safety. I urge that his security should not be diminished. He is not only the Prime Minister of our country but also a major leader on the global stage,” Goyal said.
He concluded by stating that all government ministers and departments are working together to reduce unnecessary expenses, particularly in the consumption of fuels like petrol and diesel. The public is also being urged to conserve fuel and use resources responsibly.
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