Durgapur, July 18 -- In a veiled take on the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, Union petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Puri reiterated that petrol and diesel prices in non-BJP states are ruling above that of BJP-run states.

Speaking in Durgapur, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside on the dais, Minister Puri said petrol and diesel prices are Rs 7-8 per litre lower in BJP-ruled states.

"Our government under PM Modi did not allow fuel prices to rise. In November 2021, May 2022, and March 2024, the central government reduced cess on petrol and diesel, cumulatively by Rs 13 and Rs 16," the minister said

"On top of that, our BJP-ruled states also reduced VAT on fuel. In BJP states, petrol and diesel prices are ruli...