Chandigarh, May 25 (IANS) Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Monday slammed the state government for what he termed its “double standards” on fuel prices, stating that while the government “continues to blame the Centre over rising fuel costs, it is itself imposing heavy taxes and earning substantial revenue from petrol and diesel sales”.

He said the government is currently levying a 16.58 per cent value-added tax (VAT), along with an additional 10 per cent tax on petrol, resulting in approximately Rs 18-19 per litre in taxes.

Similarly, on diesel, the state is charging 13.10 per cent VAT along with an additional 10 per cent tax, amounting to nearly Rs 13-14 per litre.

Baliawal stated that despite repeatedly targeting the Central government on fuel pricing, the Punjab government had failed to disclose the significant revenue it earned from state-imposed taxes and had chosen not to pass on relief to the public.

“The Central government had earlier reduced excise duty by up to Rs 13 per litre to provide direct relief to citizens. However, instead of extending similar benefits, the Punjab government increased its own earnings and continued burdening the people,” Baliawal said in a statement.

The BJP spokesperson accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of indulging in political theatrics while common citizens, transporters, farmers, and small businesses continued to struggle under inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.

He further said that at a time when people were already facing economic challenges, governments should prioritise public welfare rather than generating additional revenue at the expense of citizens.

Baliawal urged the state government to immediately announce a minimum reduction of Rs 10 VAT on petrol and diesel to provide much-needed relief to the common man.

“This is the time for governments to stand with the people and ease their burden, not to profit from their hardships,” he added.

–IANS

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