New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) Days after he termed the use of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in India as criminal, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh Tuesday said that SUV owners should pay the full market price of diesel and not drive on subsidised fuel.
‘The diesel subsidy was introduced for a certain economic purpose but it has ended up with a wholly different purpose. They (SUV owners) should pay full market price of diesel…why should they get subsidised fuel meant for farmers?’ Ramesh said while speaking at the 5th Sustainability Summit: Asia 2010 here.
Ramesh clarified that he was not against automobile sector but people buying SUVs should not drive on subsidised diesel.
Ramesh said diesel subsidy offered by the government is for fulfilling a social purpose and it should discourage use of heavy vehicles.
Early this month, Ramesh said: ‘The luxurious growth of large-size vehicles like SUVs is really a cause for concern…use of vehicles like SUVs and BMW in countries like India is criminal.’
He called for a reformed diesel policy as the real beneficiaries of the diesel subsidy were the owners of the ‘BMWs, the Benzs and Hondas’ and not farmers.
