Shimla: Petrol and high-speed diesel prices in Himachal Pradesh have increased by 60 paise per litre following the state government’s decision to impose a new cess aimed at generating additional funds for the welfare of orphans and widows.
The revised prices came into effect from midnight on Tuesday after the State Taxes and Excise Department issued a notification imposing the cess on petrol and high-speed diesel.
According to the notification, the 60-paise-per-litre cess will be levied at the “point of first sale” of petrol and high-speed diesel under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, 2005.
With the new levy, the price of petrol in Shimla has increased from ₹102.45 to ₹103.05 per litre. Prices of high-speed diesel will also rise by 60 paise per litre across the state.
The state government has said that the revenue generated through the cess will be used to strengthen welfare schemes for orphans and widows. The move is intended to mobilise additional financial resources for vulnerable sections of society.
The state Cabinet had recently approved the imposition of the cess, paving the way for its implementation through the notification issued by the Taxes and Excise Department.
