Petrol and diesel prices: Significant news has emerged for the common man. The state government has dealt a major blow to the public by hiking petrol and diesel prices. The government has imposed an 'Orphan and Widow Cess' of 60 paise per liter on fuel. This new decision by the state government has had a direct and heavy impact on people's pockets. Consequently, fuel prices have surged across the state. Following the implementation of the new rates, petrol in the capital, Shimla, has risen to ₹103.25 per litre, while diesel has reached ₹95.21 per litre.
Why do petrol and diesel prices vary across states?
In India, every state government levies Value Added Tax (VAT) and various cesses on petrol and diesel at its own discretion. Since VAT rates differ from state to state, the final retail price of fuel varies across regions of the country. This is why fuel prices change as soon as one crosses the border into a neighboring state.
Global Turmoil
The rise in petrol and diesel prices is not limited to a single Indian state; Global crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions have caused turmoil worldwide.
Historical Crisis in Pakistan
Our neighbour, Pakistan, is in the worst situation. Grappling with a severe economic crisis and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan has seen petrol and diesel prices soar to historic, record highs. For the general public there, refueling their vehicles has become nothing short of a luxury.
Petrol and diesel are cheaper in Chandigarh compared to Himachal. In the city, petrol costs ₹101.51, while diesel costs ₹89.47. Similarly, in Dehradun—located in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand—petrol costs ₹100.55 and diesel costs ₹95.93. In Uttarakhand, petrol is cheaper than in Himachal, but diesel is more expensive.
Price of petrol in Delhi – ₹94.72
Price of diesel in Delhi – ₹87.62
Price of petrol in Mumbai – ₹104.21
Price of diesel in Mumbai – ₹92.15
Price of petrol in Kolkata – ₹104.95
Price of diesel in Kolkata – ₹91.82
Price of petrol in Chennai – ₹100.75
Price of diesel in Chennai – ₹92.34
Prices in Jammu and Leh
In Jammu, which borders Himachal, petrol costs ₹104.13, while diesel costs ₹92.81. Additionally, in Leh, petrol is ₹108.78, and diesel is ₹93.91. In Delhi, petrol is ₹102.12, and diesel is ₹95.20. In Lucknow, petrol costs ₹101.89 per litre, while diesel costs ₹95.36 per litre.