‘Regularise VAT on petro products’

Jalandhar, March 6

Amid hike in petroleum products, the Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association (PPDA) on Saturday urged the state government to regularise value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel.

Paramjit Singh Doaba, chief, PPDA, said: “Due to hostile policies of the state government there is a huge disparity in fuel prices in Punjab and neighbouring states.” Gurmeet Monty Sehgal, spokesperson, PPDA, said: “Petrol and diesel are costlier in Punjab as compared to Haryana, Himachal and Chandigarh. While petrol in Chandigarh is cheaper by Rs 5.03 per litre, in Haryana it’s Rs 4.42 per litre less expensive and in Himachal Pradesh by it costs Rs 4.75 per litre less. Similarly, diesel in Chandigarh is cheaper by Rs 2.85 per litre, in Haryana by Rs 2.43 per litre and in Himachal Pradesh by Rs 4.07 per litre.”

Sehgal said: “Due to this disparity in fuel prices, districts bordering neighbouring states and Chandigarh are the worst hit as people prefer refuel from the latter. There are over 800 fuel pumps in border districts.” — TNS