Sasmit Patra, a Biju Janata Dal MP from Odisha, has formally requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to include petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. In his letter, he highlights the significant burden that high fuel prices impose on various sectors, including food, transport, and household expenditures. The recent hike in fuel prices has drawn criticism from the Opposition, particularly given the backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and substantial losses for oil companies. Currently, Odisha applies a VAT of nearly 28% on petrol and 24% on diesel, which contributes to elevated retail prices. Patra argues that transitioning to a 28% GST could reduce petrol prices by about ₹25 per litre and diesel by ₹14 per litre. He acknowledges that any changes would require careful consideration by the GST Council, which includes both central and state representatives, due to concerns over potential revenue losses. To address these challenges, he suggests a phased approach to inclusion, along with transitional compensation for states to ensure fiscal stability during the transition.