Rs 5 fuel cess will hurt farmers, trade & tourism sectors: Himachal BJP chief Bindal

Terming the move a “direct attack on people’s pockets”, Bindal said it would impact all sections of society, including farmers, orchardists, labourers, traders and consumers. He warned that the hike would lead to an increase in transportation costs, resulting in higher bus, taxi and freight charges, besides escalating agricultural and irrigation expenses and the cost of transporting horticulture produce. He added that the tourism sector would also be adversely affected.

The BJP leader also accused the government of raising the cost of essential services and commodities such as electricity, water, ration supplies, stamp duty and cement, thereby worsening the financial condition of the public. He claimed that stamp duty had increased by up to 500 per cent, cement prices had risen by around Rs 100 per bag and ration items had become costlier under the current regime.

Bindal further expressed concern over the imposition of entry tax, stating that it would negatively impact residents of border areas as well as trade and tourism. He warned that higher fuel prices in Himachal compared to neighbouring states could encourage illegal trade and fuel smuggling, potentially giving rise to a “fuel mafia”.