The minister, however, has clarified that this is not an active consideration by the government.
Speaking at the SIAM’s 63rd annual convention, Nitin Gadkari, minister of Road, transport and Highways, has urged the automobile industry to stop production and sale of diesel cars and SUVs which he described as ‘polluting vehicles’.
- Gadkari suggests additional 10 percent tax on diesels
- Clarifies this is only a recommendation, not a mandate
Gadkari said it’s time the industry said ‘bye bye to diesel,’ and if not, he would like to tax it an additional 10 percent as a pollution tax with the intention of making it unviable to sell diesel vehicles in the country.
With the tighter BS6 Phase 2 emissions norms, many diesel vehicles and engines have already been shelved, and prices for those still in production have risen considerably, thanks to expensive technology required to meet the tight emission norms.
The additional tax could be a final nail in the coffin for diesel vehicles, but this is still only a suggestion from the minister who, in the past, has often voiced various ideas, not all of which have been implemented.
The minister, however, clarified via a tweet that said, “there is no such proposal currently under active consideration by the government.”