Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal criticized the state government for imposing high taxes on petrol and diesel while blaming the central government for fuel price hikes. The state government applies a 16.58% VAT on petrol with an additional 10% tax, resulting in around Rs 18-19 per liter in taxes. Similarly, diesel incurs a 13.10% VAT along with an extra 10% tax, totaling nearly Rs 13-14 per liter.
Baliawal highlighted that despite criticizing the central government for fuel prices, Punjab has not revealed the substantial revenue earned from state-imposed taxes. While the central government reduced excise duty by up to Rs 13 per liter, Punjab increased its earnings without passing on benefits to the public. The BJP spokesperson accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of prioritizing theatrics over addressing the economic challenges faced by citizens.
He emphasized the need for the state government to reduce VAT on petrol and diesel by at least Rs 10 to alleviate the financial burden on the public. Baliawal stressed that governments should support citizens during economic hardships rather than profiting from their struggles.
