Rajasthan petrol pumps go on indefinite strike, demand VAT reduction
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Jaipur: Petrol filling stations in Rajasthan, except privately-owned ones, have initiated an indefinite strike starting from 6 a.m. today, calling for a reduction in Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel.
The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers' Association (RPDA) organised the strike, highlighting the state's high VAT rates on fuel in comparison to neighbouring states.
Currently, Rajasthan imposes the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the nation, with rates at 31.04% and 19.30%, respectively. In contrast, Haryana levies 18.20% VAT on petrol and 16% on diesel, while Punjab and Gujarat maintain the lowest VAT on fuel, at 13.77% and 9.92%, respectively.
Petrol station operators in Rajasthan assert that the elevated VAT is resulting in revenue loss, as people are refuelling their vehicles in neighbouring states before entering Rajasthan. They further argue that the high VAT is making fuel unaffordable for consumers.
The association conducted a symbolic two-day strike on Wednesday and Thursday, urging the Rajasthan government to align VAT rates on petrol and diesel with Punjab's levels.
"The executive meeting of the association was held on Thursday evening. In this, the association unanimously decided to hold a statewide indefinite strike from 6 a.m. on September 15," stated the RPDA.
Currently, petrol in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, is priced at Rs 112 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 97.58 per litre. Rajasthan hosts a total of 6,712 petrol pumps.
RPDA has called on the Rajasthan government to reduce the VAT on petrol and diesel to match the rates in neighbouring states. The association has warned that if the government does not comply, the strike will continue indefinitely.