Hike in fuel prices wrong move, say petrol dealers

They feel it will benefit neighbouring states, UT; another jolt to common man: Residents

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, Updated At : 11:44 AM Sep 06, 2024 IST

The industry has also flayed the decision to increase fuel rates.

Giving another jolt to the common man in Punjab, the state government today decided to hike prices of fuel. During the Cabinet meeting, the AAP government has decided to increase value-added tax (VAT) on petrol by 61 paisa and diesel by 92 paisa per litre, respectively. At the same time, petrol dealers feel that it was a wrong decision taken by the government as neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Chandigarh would get benefits due to the same while border areas of the state will face losses.

Talking to The Tribune, Ashok Sachdeva, chairman, Petrol Pump Dealers Association, Punjab, said it was a wrong decision taken in the Cabinet meeting. “The state government feels that it will get more revenue but it would face losses and neighbouring states will benefit from the decision. Suppose, I have to go to Himachal Pradesh, I will get my vehicle tank filled from there only as the fuel is cheaper there. Our border areas will suffer badly and the government will lose the volume. If the government feels that there will be gain by increasing fuel rates, it is mistaken,” said Sachdeva, adding that it would, in fact, put a burden on the common man only.

Amit, who is working with a leading hosiery brand as a manager, said his was a touring job and he comes around four times a week to Ludhiana. “But I never buy fuel from Punjab. I come from Panchkula, either I get my tank filled from Panchkula or Chandigarh but not from Punjab, unless and until it’s an emergency as fuel is cheaper in the two cities and for a person, who is travelling so often, fuel prices matter. It will affect the common man,” he said.

Saloni, a salesgirl at Ghumar Mandi, said the move would certainly put a dent in common man’s pocket.

The CICU has also condemned the state government for hiking the fuel prices. It said the decision was not in favour of the industry. Transportation costs would increase due to the same. “We will write to the government to withdraw the move,” it added.