Kohima, September 11 (MExN): The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland has expressed concern over the prevailing fuel prices in the State, which it noted continue to remain higher than in some neighboring North Eastern states.
According to NPP Nagaland, as of early September 2025, the price of petrol in Nagaland ranges between ₹97.75 and ₹97.98 per litre, while in Meghalaya it is ₹96.35 per litre and in Arunachal Pradesh between ₹92.50 and ₹92.66 per litre. Diesel in Nagaland is priced at approximately ₹88.00 per litre, compared to ₹87.74 in Meghalaya and between ₹80.49 and ₹82.20 in Arunachal Pradesh.
This means that citizens of Nagaland are paying ₹5 or more extra per litre for petrol and ₹6–8 more for diesel compared to Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the impact on people, NPP Nagaland stated that increased fares affect commuters, transporters, and small traders. Farmers face higher input costs, leading to increased food prices, while rising fuel expenses add to household burdens and restrict mobility for families and youth.
NPP Nagaland pointed out that a major reason for the price difference lies in the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Sales Tax structures adopted by different states. In Nagaland, VAT is 21.75% or ₹16.94 per litre (whichever is higher) on petrol and 17.20% or ₹12.83 per litre (whichever is higher) on diesel. Meghalaya imposes 13.50% VAT or ₹13.50 per litre (whichever is higher) on petrol and 5% VAT or ₹9.50 per litre (whichever is higher) on diesel. Arunachal Pradesh levies 14.50% VAT on petrol and 7.00% VAT on diesel.
Because of Nagaland’s “whichever is higher” clause and higher percentages compared to its neighbors, the final pump prices in Nagaland remain costlier.
A portion of fuel taxes may be allocated for infrastructure and social development, such as roads, schools, and community projects. While this is aimed at public welfare, NPP Nagaland said it is essential that such funds are transparently utilized and clearly communicated to citizens. Without visible benefits, it stated, the high fuel cost adds undue burden on the common people.
The party suggested that a specific cess could be levied on the VAT for the upkeep of urban infrastructure, given that citizens living in urban areas typically consume more fuel. Such a targeted approach, it noted, could ensure better maintenance of urban facilities while keeping the broader burden on rural citizens proportionate.
NPP Nagaland said that although it is a constituent of the NDA, on issue-based matters and the welfare of the people, the party’s priority is always the common citizen. “As a party that stands with the people, NPP Nagaland is deeply concerned about how such price differences affect everyday life. We believe that the issue deserves public awareness and open discussion, especially since fuel directly impacts every sector of society,” it said.
It appealed to the concerned authorities to “look into this matter and review the existing fuel taxation and pricing structure, so as to bring parity with neighboring states and provide much-needed relief to the common people.”
