BP wants bigger pie of India fuel market, bats for natural gas under GST

Firm to create 80,000 jobs by increasing fuel retail outlets, along with Reliance, to 5,500 in 4-5 yrs

Global energy major BP Plc on Monday batted for natural gas’ inclusion within the ambit of the goods and services tax (GST). Reiterating its commitment to the Indian market, the firm also said it would create 80,000 jobs here over the next four-five years.  

Addressing the India Energy Forum meet by CERAWeek, the company's Chief Executive Officer Bernard Looney said, “GST has been a very welcome federal initiative to ease trade in India. We believe it would make sense to incorporate gas in that.” 

At present, petrol, diesel, jet fuel, crude oil, and natural gas fall outside GST’s ambit. The