Chandigarh. Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Preetpal Singh Baliawal on Monday accused the state government of adopting double standards regarding fuel prices. He said that while on one hand the government is blaming the Central Government for the rising prices of fuel, on the other hand it itself is earning a good amount of money by imposing heavy taxes on petrol and diesel. He said the government is currently imposing 16.58 per cent value added tax (VAT) and 10 per cent additional tax on petrol, which works out to around Rs 18-19 per litre. Similarly, the state government is also imposing 13.10 percent VAT and 10 percent additional tax on diesel, which makes the tax per liter approximately Rs 13-14. Baliawal said that despite repeatedly targeting the Central government over fuel prices, the Punjab government has failed to disclose the significant revenue earned from taxes imposed by the state and has chosen not to provide relief to the public.
He said that the Central Government had earlier reduced the excise duty by Rs 13 per liter to provide direct relief to the citizens. However, instead of providing similar benefits, the Punjab government increased its earnings and continued to burden the public.
The BJP spokesperson accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of indulging in political theatrics while common citizens, transporters, farmers and small businessmen are struggling under the pressure of inflation and rising operating expenses.
He further said that at a time when people are already facing economic challenges, governments should give priority to public welfare rather than generating additional revenue at the cost of citizens.
Baliawal urged the state government to announce an immediate cut in VAT on petrol and diesel by at least Rs 10 so that the common man can get the much-needed relief.
He further said that this is the time for governments to stand with the people and reduce their troubles, and not to make profits from their difficulties.
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