It Is Not Right To Impose Cess On Petrol And Diesel In Himachal, Dealer Association Expressed Concern; ...the State Will Suffer Huge Losses
Himachal Pradesh Petroleum Dealers Association has expressed concern over the government's decision to impose additional cess on petrol and diesel. In the meeting held in Bilaspur, the association called it suicidal for the state's economy. They say that this will reduce sales and business will shift to neighboring states. The association will meet the Chief Minister and the Governor to present its views, and is also considering legal action.
Dealers have opposed the provision of cess on petrol and diesel on behalf of CM Sukhu.
Jagran correspondent, Bilaspur. State level meeting of Himachal Pradesh Petroleum Dealers Association was held in Bilaspur. The meeting was presided over by the state president of the association, Sukumar Singh Chandel. Expressing concern over the state government's decision to impose additional cess along with Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel, the meeting termed the move as suicidal for the state's economy. It was decided in the meeting that the Shimla unit of the association would personally meet the Chief Minister and the Governor and present its stand before the government on all important aspects related to business, legal and revenue.
Sales decreased in Himachal
Sukumar said that in the year 2022, when VAT in Himachal was less than the neighboring states, the total sales of the state were 12 lakh kilolitres. In contrast, in the year 2025, sales have declined to only nine lakh kilolitres. Now if the government imposes cess, there will be an even bigger decline in the sales of petrol and diesel in Himachal. Operators will start purchasing petrol and diesel from other states. The state will suffer economic loss due to this.
There is no concrete plan for the use of funds
He said that the government does not have any clear data on the beneficiaries of cess, orphans and widows, nor any concrete plan for the use of the fund. In such a situation, adding such new provisions to the VAT system without any blueprint will create a wrong precedent for the future. Shifting business to neighboring states will only result in loss for the state. Is continuously taking consultation from legal experts on this subject. If talks do not yield a satisfactory solution, then adopting the legal route will be considered to protect the interests of the state.
In the meeting, Himachal Petroleum Dealers Association expressed satisfaction that at present the supply of diesel and petrol is completely smooth in every corner of the state. Adequate stock is being provided by Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil, due to which there is no shortage of fuel in any area.
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