Petrol pump owners intensify struggle for uniform VAT rates for diesel

New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): The Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association staged a peaceful demonstration here on Thursday over its demand for uniformity in Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel in Delhi and adjoining states.

Around 100 dealers took part in the protest and marched towards Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's residence with a bouquet of flowers.

"All these years, our VAT rates have always remained equal as of Haryana. So, we have only one demand that our VAT rates should remain equal now also. If in future, diesel rates in Haryana increase even to 30 rupees, we don't mind the same rates," said Jugal Batra, a former DPDA president.

The dealers placed the flowers outside Dikshit's residence, while Batra went inside to discuss the problem.

After the meeting, Batra said Dikshit had assured him that she would look into the issue after consulting Finance Ministers of neighbouring states and representatives of the VAT committee.

"We will take some time to work it out," he added.

On April 9, petrol station owners had called off their strike after Dikshit assured that their grievances would be addressed within 15 days.

Delhi has announced an increase in VAT on diesel from 12.5 percent to 20 percent. The sale of diesel has gone down by more than 40 percent, forcing both motorists and truck drivers to head for petrol pumps in Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida because of the price difference.

It has been reported that the diesel has become cheaper by Rs 3.50-4 in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The price of diesel in Haryana is Rs 34.22, whereas in New Delhi, it is Rs 38.10. ANI)