The Assam government has increased VAT on petrol and diesel and as a result, petrol has become costlier by Rs 1.01 in the state from Thursday midnight, while the price of diesel has increased by Rs 1.02.

People have expressed their displeasure at petrol pumps regarding the increase in fuel prices. But CM Sarma defended the decision of the state government and said that the prices in Assam are much lower compared to other states.

The Chief Minister said, “Before the Lok Sabha elections, we made the prices of petrol and diesel cheaper by Rs 3 per liter. But due to floods and other conditions in the state, we were forced to increase the prices by only Re 1.

He stressed that petrol prices are much higher in West Bengal than in Assam.

“If one compares petrol prices in Assam and Bengal, he will find that petrol and diesel are cheaper by more than Rs 7 in Assam,” Sarma said.