PM Modi emphazises on expanding energy infrastructure in eastern India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Centre will consult states on bringing petroleum products under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST).Mr. Modi said this while reacting to suggestions of participants during the interaction with CEOs and experts of oil and gas from across the world in New Delhi on Monday. 

Later briefing media, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant quoted the Prime Minister as saying that there is a need to talk to states over the issue. 

Currently, petroleum products face high Central and State levies and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has repeatedly talked to bring petrol and diesel under the GST framework.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister



brainstormed on ways to raise domestic oil and gas production and asserted that his government is committed to doing more for the energy sector with focus on expanding infrastructure and access to it in eastern India. 

Mr. Modi told the CEOs of top global and Indian companies that India wants to move towards a cleaner, fuel-efficient economy so that all sections, especially the poor, benefit from it.He flagged the potential of biomass energy and also invited participation and joint ventures in coal gasification. 

The Prime Minister also welcomed all possibilities for innovation and research in the oil and gas sector. He underlined the importance of development in eastern India.