Petrol-Diesel Price Hike: Big setback for common people. Petrol and diesel have become more expensive in Himachal Pradesh. The price of petrol will increase by 60 paise per liter. The increased prices will come into effect at 12 midnight today, Tuesday. The Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh has imposed an Orphan and Widow Cess on petrol, resulting in this price change. This cess will also be imposed on high-speed diesel. In the capital Shimla, the price of petrol will increase from Rs 102.45 to Rs 103.05 per liter.
Current Petrol Prices in Himachal
Kangra: Rs 101.42 per litre
Solan: Rs 100.97 per litre
Una: Rs 100.57 per litre
Chamba: Rs 102.62 per litre
Shimla: Rs 102.45 per litre
Market: Rs 101.51 per litre
Sirmaur: Rs 102.39 per litre
What is the Orphan and Widow Cess?
The Orphan and Widow Cess is a specific tax implemented at the state level. It is imposed under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh VAT Act, 2005. After an amendment by the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in April, the government established the rate at 60 paise per liter. This will have a direct effect on the finances of everyday consumers. The state government is said to be planning to allocate the funds raised from this initiative towards social welfare programs.
The responsibility will fall on the drivers.
A government announcement has made it clear that this new arrangement will come into effect at midnight on August 11th. Consequently, an extra cess of 60 paise per liter will be added to the sale of petrol and diesel starting at 12 a.m. on Tuesday night. This will impose an additional financial strain on motorists, alongside the existing fuel prices.
Reports indicate that the government had previously approved this cess. Now, the State Tax and Excise Department has released an official notification. According to this notification, the amount will be collected during the first sale of petrol and high-speed diesel within the state.
60 paise per liter increase
As a result of this government decision, the retail prices of petrol and diesel in the state will rise by 60 paise per liter. However, the final retail price may differ based on local taxes and other fees. The State Tax and Excise Department has distributed copies of the notification to all relevant officials, including the Commissioner of the Department, for necessary action. While this government decision aims to generate revenue for orphans and widows, it also means that vehicle drivers will face higher fuel costs.