Rajasthan: Center hits out at Congress government as petrol pumps go on indefinite strike against high VAT

Demanding a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel, petrol pumps in Rajasthan, barring privately owned and operated pumps, went on an indefinite strike on Friday.

The indefinite strike was called by the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers’ Association (RPDYA). The dealers’ association said the VAT in poll-bound Rajasthan is higher than in neighboring states. Rajasthan has the highest VAT on petrol and diesel in the country at 31.04% and 19.30% respectively.

Petrol pump operators in Rajasthan said the higher VAT has affected their business, resulting in a loss of revenue. They said that people are filling petrol/diesel in neighboring states as the high VAT makes fuel unaffordable for consumers.