State-owned companies in India are on the verge of experiencing the largest wave of privatisation since 2000. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, famous for limited liberal reform during his first 5 years in office, has announced massive corporate tax cuts (30% down to 22%) as well as privatisation in some of India’s biggest and best public sector companies.
One of the companies that could be up for sale is Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), which the government currently has a 53.3% stake in. The sale of India’s second-largest oil refiner and fuel retailer to the private sector is part of a larger plan to attract more multinationals and foreign investors to the Indian market for domestic fuel. This will provide much needed competition, hopefully shaking up the market by increasing efficiency, boosting production, and leading to further job creation for Indian nationals.
Think like an economist!
- What is meant by the term privatisation?
- Explain one reason why governments decide to privatise public corporations.
- With reference to the article above, analyse the impact that privatisation is likely to have on Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL).
