NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Tuesday blamed the NDA government for rise in petrol and diesel prices, saying it was happening due to "excessive taxes".
In a series of tweets, the former finance minister also demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the GST immediately.
"Relentless rise in prices of petrol and diesel is not inevitable. Because, the price is built up by excessive taxes on petrol and diesel. If taxes are cut, prices will decline significantly," he said.
Chidambaram said the central government blaming the states is a "spurious argument".
"The BJP forgets that its boast that BJP is ruling 19 States. Centre and States must act together and bring petrol and diesel under GST. Congress demands that petrol and diesel be brought under GST immediately (sic)," he tweeted.
Petrol and diesel prices in the country touched their highest levels Tuesday mainly due to fall in rupee and a sharp rise in crude oil rates.
In New Delhi, petrol prices were hiked by 16 paise to trade at Rs 79.31 per litre, while diesel is being sold 19 paise higher at Rs.71.34 per litre.
This follows a 31 paise/litre hike in prices on Monday.