MOHALI/PANCHKULA: Petroleum dealers are upset with the decision of the Punjab government to reduce VAT on fuel as rates in Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are not at par.
The Petrol Pump Dealers Association, Panchkula has announced a daylong strike on November 15, which will be observed as No Sale No Purchase Day.
According to petroleum dealers of Mohali, a diesel consumer can save Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,300 per barrel (200 liters) of diesel if it is purchased from bordering states of Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and J&K.
Ashwinder Singh Mongia, spokesperson, Punjab Petrol Pump Dealers Association said, “In the present situation, a drum of diesel containing about 200 litres will save farmers Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,300 per drum on purchase from Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and J&K where the VAT is still lower and diesel price is lesser than Punjab. Our demand was to bring fuel rates at par with the neighbouring states but Punjab still waits for more damage to the petrol dealers.”
Petrol pump dealers association members said that Punjab government move of reducing VAT on petrol and diesel would have serious repercussions on the petroleum trade in Punjab. They warned that farmers, transporters, industry, retail consumers and petroleum dealers would suffer as VAT collections would reduce drastically due to fall in sales of diesel.
