MK rules out reduction in ST on petroleum products

Chennai, Jun 9 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today ruled out reduction in the sales tax (ST) on petrol and diesel, saying it was ''unviable.'' ''I have gone into the matter. If the ST is reduced, then the bus fare in the State has to be increased,'' he said when asked about suggestions to reduce the sales tax to ease the burden on people in the wake of oil price hike effected by the Centre.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the fuel price hike was a continuing problem and it had not been effected by the present Union Government alone.

''There is justification both on opposing the price hike and also expressing helplessness as there is no other option,'' he remarked.

On the loss incurred by State Transport Corporations in the wake of the increase of fuel price, Mr Karunanidhi said he had reviewed the situation with officials concerned only today and it was too early to assess the losses.

UNI AKN VD HT2105