SHILLONG, July 20 (NNN): Following a recent Cabinet meeting, chief minister Conrad K Sangma announced the decision to increase the prices of diesel and petrol by 50 paise in Meghalaya. The chief minister explained that the current price difference between Meghalaya and Assam for diesel is quite significant, with Guwahati’s rate at Rs 90.33 and Khanapara, Ri Bhoi district, at Rs 84.10, resulting in a difference of Rs 6.23 per liter.
CM Sangma emphasised that the decision to raise the prices is aimed at bolstering the state’s overall revenue. The initial 50 paise increase is planned with the intention of maintaining a favourable pricing difference between the Guwahati market and the Khanapara market in Ri Bhoi. Moreover, the government aims to keep the rates in line with the national average, ensuring that they do not surpass it.
While explaining the rationale behind the move, the chief minister highlighted that Meghalaya currently offers some of the lowest petrol and diesel prices in the country. Despite the increase, the state will continue to prioritise keeping the rates reasonable compared to the national average.
Notably, the state government collects approximately Rs 350 crore in revenue from diesel and petrol, underscoring the importance of these commodities to the state’s finances.
