Fuel pumps go on indefinite strike in Rajasthan against high VAT

Fuel pumps association in Rajasthan began an indefinite strike on Friday, demanding equal value added tax (VAT) rates on fuel, akin to the rates in Punjab.

Rajasthan has one of the highest VAT on petrol, at 31.04 per cent and diesel at 19.30 per cent, in the country. Comparatively, Haryana’s VAT is 18.20 per cent on petrol and 16 per cent on diesel, while Punjab and Gujarat have the lowest VAT on fuel, at 13.77 per cent and 9.92 per cent, respectively.

Petrol pumps located near borders have especially been hit hard as vehicles opt to fill their tanks before entering the state.