Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, said on Sunday that his ministry was trying to bring petrol and diesel under the purview of GST (Goods and Service Tax).

On query, the minister replied that rising prices in international markets and additional state levies have impacted fuel costs in India. The ministry is hopeful that the GST Council will agree to bring petrol, diesel, and kerosene under the ambit of GST.

Pradhan had ridden a bicycle in Indore at the "Saksham Cyclothon" event to promote fuel saving and environmental conservation.

The Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and the Indore Cycling Association (ICA) claimed that nearly 30,000 cyclists participated in the event.

BJP general secretary and Cycling Federation of India (CFI) chairman Kailash Vijaywargiya and others also rode bicycles at the event.

Under the aegis of the Cyclothon, people from various walks of life took part in different distant categories--ranging from 13 kms to 94 kms.

With inputs from PTI