Jaipur, September 15: With the exception of privately-owned and operated pumps, Petrol filling stations across Rajasthan,  have commenced an indefinite strike starting from 6 am today, September 15, demanding a reduction in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers' Association (RPDYA) initiated this strike, citing the state's significantly high VAT rates on fuel compared to neighbouring states. Currently, Rajasthan imposes the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country, at 31.04% and 19.30%, respectively.

In contrast, Haryana has a VAT of 18.20% on petrol and 16% on diesel, while Punjab and Gujarat boast the lowest VAT rates on fuel at 13.77% and 9.92%, respectively. According to multiple reports, Petrol pump operators in Rajasthan argue that the high VAT rates are causing revenue losses as residents prefer filling their tanks in neighbouring states with lower taxes. Moreover, they claim that the elevated VAT rates are making fuel unaffordable for consumers. Rajasthan Petrol Pump Strike Video: People Queue Up at Petrol Pumps in Jaipur Ahead of Two-Day Statewide Strike Against High VAT on Fuel, Viral Clip Surfaces.

The RPDA held a brief, symbolic strike on Wednesday, September 13, and Thursday, September 14, to push the Rajasthan government to equalise VAT rates on petrol and diesel, similar to the situation in Punjab. Petrol prices in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, have reached Rs 112 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 97.58 per litre. Rajasthan is home to 6,712 petrol pumps in total. The RPDYA has called upon the Rajasthan government to reduce the VAT on petrol and diesel to match that of neighbouring states. If the government fails to comply, the RPDYA has threatened to continue the strike indefinitely.

Impact of the Strike and Future Plans

Petrol and diesel stations across Rajasthan remained closed on September 13 and September 14 due to the strike organised by the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association. During the strike, fuel stations were closed from 10 AM to 6 PM. Rajendra Singh Bhati, the President of the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association, revealed that over 5,700 privately operated fuel pumps in the state are participating in the two-day strike. Rajasthan Petrol Pump Strike: Two-Day Strike in State To Protest Against High VAT Rates, All Fuel Stations To Stay Closed.

The strike has already caused significant inconvenience to residents, with long queues forming at petrol pumps due to a lack of awareness about the strike. Despite Bhati's warning, since the state government has not taken any action to address the growing concerns of the association, the RPDYA has gone on an indefinite strike starting from September 15.

The Demands and Fuel Price Situation

The petroleum dealers are demanding a reduction in value-added taxes and calling attention to the high diesel prices in Rajasthan compared to neighbouring states, primarily due to fluctuations in Value Added Tax (VAT) rates. Currently, petrol and diesel prices in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, are the highest in the country, with petrol at Rs 112.74 per litre and diesel at Rs 97.57 per litre. On the contrary, Port Blair offers the cheapest prices, with petrol at Rs 84.10 per litre and diesel at Rs 79.74 per litre.

Furthermore, petrol prices have crossed Rs 100 per litre in 16 states, including Rajasthan, while diesel prices above Rs 100 per litre are observed in Odisha, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The Rajasthan petrol pump operators are urging the state government to address these concerns promptly, as the strike has begun to impact daily life in the region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2023 10:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).