HP stays VAT on increased fuel prices to offset hike in prices

Shimla, June 12 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government today decided not to levy Value Added Tax (VAT) on enhanced fuel prices of Rs four on petrol and Rs two on diesel to absorb a part of the hike, an official spokesman today said.

''The prices of petrol and diesel will come down by Rs one and 28 paise respectively after the decision,'' he said here.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had yesterday at Palampur town of Kangra district said his government was considering a proposal on reducing sales tax on petrol and diesel in the state to absorb a part of the fuel price hike.

The spokesman said this would provide the consumers a tax relief of Rs 17 crore per annum and would benefit the public immensely.

UNI AS HS AK RS1951