A man walks past a digital dashboard displays the retail prices of petrol and diesel for October 24 in Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 4 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government today slashed prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 7 following the Centre reducing excise duty on them by Rs 5 and Rs 10 on the eve of Diwali. The cuts in fuel prices came into effect on November 4.
A notice issued by the Finance Department (Revenue Branch) stated “the Governor of Nagaland is hereby pleased to reduce the overall incidence of Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel and petrol and other motor spirits sold within the State of Nagaland by Rs 7 per litre with reference to the prices prevailing on November 3, 2021.”
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio tweeted on Thursday evening: “Happy to announce that the Government of Nagaland has reduced VAT on diesel and petrol and other motor spirit by Rs 7/- per litre, with immediate effect.”
States take Union Government’s cue
After the Centre’s announcement, several States announced reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel to enhance the retail fuel price reduction for consumers.
Other northeastern states—Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram—also announced additional cuts (VAT) in petrol and diesel prices. The Nagaland Government’s VAT reduction was yet to be reflected in prices on November 4.
Petrol pumps in different northeastern states are taking the new prices of the transport fuel as per the centre's excise duty slash, but the state governments' additional reductions are not yet effected due to lack of appropriate official communications.
An official of Indian Oil Corporation said, with the Centre and state governments' reduction of taxes the rate of petrol in the northeastern states would be around Rs 100 to Rs 104 and diesel Rs 86 to Rs 90.
“However the prices of petrol and diesel in the different locations of the northeastern states would vary depending on the varied transport charges,” the IOCL official told IANS on condition of anonymity.
Of the northeastern states which announced reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) by Rs 7 per litre, four states are ruled by the BJP -- Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Nagaland, governed by the UDA, Mizoram, governed by the MNF and Sikkim led by Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), are partners of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), also reduced the VAT on petrol and diesel by Rs 7 per litre.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Thursday tweeted: “Glad to announce that Mizoram government will reduce VAT on Petrol and Diesel each by Rs 7 with immediate effect from today (Thursday).”
“A progressive decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, resulting in excise duty reduction conveyed to us by Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister),” he said.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang tweeted: “In view of this decision and on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I would like to announce that the state Government will be reducing the prices of petrol and diesel in the state by Rs 7 per liter as a Diwali gift.”
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday in a tweet announced that the state government has reduced the VAT on petrol from existing 20 per cent to 14.5 per cent and diesel from 12.5 per cent to 7 per cent.
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said: “Following Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji led central govt's decision on reduction of excise duty on petrol and diesel, Tripura govt has also decided to reduce petrol and diesel cost by Rs 7 from Thursday.”
“After the decision (of the centre and state governments' fuel tax cut) petrol and diesel would cost Rs 98.33 per litre and Rs 85.63 per litre respectively in Agartala,” Deb said in another tweet.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted: “Heartening to learn Central Govt's decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel. In consonance with the decision of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji, I am pleased to announce that Assam Govt will also reduce VAT on petrol and diesel each by Rs 7 with immediate effect.”
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday midnight tweeted: “Heartily welcome PM Narendra Modi ji's decision to reduce excise duty on petrol & diesel as a gift to the people of this Nation on this Diwali. I'm also pleased to announce that the Govt of Manipur will also reduce VAT on petrol and diesel each by Rs 7 with immediate effect.”
With IANS inputs
