Petrol, diesel to become cheaper in Punjab

In a relief to consumers, the Punjab government today gave its nod for abolishing octroi on fuel, making petrol and diesel cheaper in the state. The petrol and diesel will be cheaper by 0.73 paise and 0.82 paise a litre respectively within the municipal limits of towns and cities across the state.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Punjab Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, here, an official release said. Punjab levies 1% and 2% octroi on total value of petrol and diesel respectively within cities and total collection from octroi stands nearly Rs 50 crore per annum, according to fuel pump owners.

"The abolition of octroi will make petrol and diesel cheaper by 0.73 paise and 0.82 paise a litre respectively," Punjab Petroleum Dealers Association Vice President Ashok Sachdeva said.

On December 24 last year, the Punjab government had decided to abolish octroi on fuel, a few hours before the Election Commission announced the January 30 election date for the assembly election.

The Election Commission rejected the state government's decision on December 27 saying "the government straightaway passed an order without following due procedure and necessary amendments in law."