Stir in Rajasthan due to strike - Petrol pumps closed, how to get fuel now?

Rajasthan News: Petrol pumps in Rajasthan are locked from today. All pump operators have gone on indefinite strike from today demanding reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel. Earlier, the pump operators had gone on a partial strike for two days. Had warned the government that if VAT is not reduced, they will go on indefinite strike, but the government did not listen. In such a situation, on the call of Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association, more than 7 thousand pumps in the state have been locked from today.

While announcing the strike, the association has clearly said that this time the fight is through and through. Now diesel petrol will not be sold from any pump in the state until a concrete decision is taken in this matter. During this period, all the 7 thousand pump operators of the state will not buy any kind of petroleum product. The association has admitted that this may cause problems to the people of the state. But the association has blamed the stubborn attitude of the state government for this.

Petroleum Dealers Association argues that VAT rates on petrol and diesel are much lower in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Because of this, prices of petrol and diesel are low in these states. In these states, petrol is cheaper by up to Rs 16 and diesel by Rs 11 as compared to Rajasthan. Whereas in Rajasthan, more VAT is being charged. Its direct impact is on the pockets of the people of the state.

At the same time, due to increase in transport expenses, inflation is also high in the state. With these arguments, the association has again demanded that VAT rates on petrol and diesel should be reduced. According to the association, 31.04 percent VAT is being charged on petrol in Rajasthan. Similarly, 19.30 percent VAT is charged on diesel. Whereas in Punjab, there is 13.77 percent VAT on petrol and 9.92 percent VAT on diesel. In Haryana, 18.20 percent VAT is charged on petrol and 16 percent VAT on diesel. Whereas in the country's capital Delhi, VAT is 19.40 percent on petrol and 16.75 percent on diesel.