RWAS urge CM to reduce VAT on fuel prices in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Days after dealers of petrol and diesel stations in Delhi announced to go on strike on October 22, a number of residents’ welfare associations (RWAS) and civil society groups have come out in support and urged chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to reduce VAT on fuels.

Raising the issue of air pollution, some residents said the steep petrol prices in Delhi have forced them to buy low quality and polluting variant of the fuel from neighbouring cities. “Due to price difference of about Rs 2-3/ litre, Delhiites living near borders are being forced to buy fuel from neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana which still is on Bharat Standard (BS) IV as compared to less polluting BS VI, which is available only i n Delhi,” Manish Chawla, a resident of Anand Vihar, said.

The Central government had slashed the rate of petrol and diesel by ₹2.50 per litre on October 4. This was followed by reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) by various states, including Haryana and UP.

The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) has already decided to observe a closure on October 22 to protest the fuel prices. “If the difference in prices continues, there will be a drop of 50% in sale of diesel in Delhi and 25% in petrol in this quarter,” said a member of DPDA.

Residents also pointed out how inadequate public transport network adds to the problem.