Apparently, the minister, while encouraging people to embrace green fuels, said that he might consider proposing an additional 10% tax on diesel-run vehicles and generators if there is excessive usage.

His exacts words were, "I am going to handover a letter to the Finance Minister this evening stating that an additional 10 per cent GST be put on diesel-powered vehicles"

Further noting that diesel a highly hazardous fuel and makes the country dependent on imports, he adds, "Say goodbye to diesel... Please stop making them, otherwise we will just increase the tax so much that it would become difficult to sell diesel cars."

Following this several media reports said 'Centre is likely to impose additional 10% GST on the sale of diesel vehicles'. Soon after, auto stocks, including Maruti and Tata Motors, fell sharply.

Later clarifying the same, Gadkari took to Twitter, saying, There is an urgent need to clarify media reports suggesting an additional 10% GST on the sale of diesel vehicles. It is essential to clarify that there is no such proposal currently under active consideration by the government. In line with our commitments to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2070 and to reduce air pollution levels caused by hazardous fuels like diesel, as well as the rapid growth in automobile sales, it is imperative to actively embrace cleaner and greener alternative fuels. These fuels should be import substitutes, cost-effective, indigenous, and pollution-free.