Seeking to clarify his remarks on taxation of diesel vehicles, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that he wanted to convey to automobile manufacturers to take steps to reduce pollution. He also added that there is no proposal to levy tax on diesel vehicles.

“I am not against diesel fuel and neither we are going to levy any tax on diesel vehicles,” Gadkari said while speaking to CNBC-TV18.

The Minister noted that from the pollution point of view, diesel is very hazardous and it is really causing health problem in the country.

Emphasising that he is not against any industry, Gadkari pointed out that the government is already giving incentives for electric cars.

“So my suggestion to the industry is that best way to (reduce pollution) is to concentrate on alternative fuel,” Gadkari further said.

Earlier this week, his remarks regarding the need to levy 10% tax on diesel-run vehicles to help cut emissions had generated controversy.

“I am requesting the Finance Minister to impose an additional 10% GST on diesel engines/vehicles. This is the only way to phase out diesel vehicles,” Gadkari had said on September 12.

Soon after he had clarified his remarks. “It is essential to clarify that there is no such proposal currently under active consideration by the government,” the Minister had said in a post on X.