The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association has declared a two-day strike across the entire state on September 13 and 14 2023, demanding a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. During this strike, all activities related to the purchase and sale of petrol and diesel will come to a complete halt in the state. If their demands are not addressed, the association has issued a warning of an indefinite strike starting from September 15, 2023.

Dr. Rajendra Singh Bhati, the State President of the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association, has stated that the prices of petrol in Rajasthan are Rs.13 higher, and diesel is Rs.10 more expensive compared to other states. This discrepancy is primarily due to significantly higher Value Added Tax (VAT) rates imposed on petrol and diesel in Rajasthan in comparison to neighboring states such as Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Gujarat.

Under these circumstances, residents of Rajasthan are increasingly purchasing petrol and diesel from neighboring states, leading to a decline in sales for petrol pump operators within Rajasthan. Despite our repeated appeals to the state government for a reduction in VAT, it appears that the government has not been responsive to our requests. Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, is currently the location with the highest fuel prices in India. The cost of one liter of petrol has surged to Rs. 113.30, while diesel is being sold at Rs. 98.07 per liter. In contrast, the most affordable petrol and diesel rates are found in Port Blair, where petrol is priced at Rs. 84.10 per liter and diesel at Rs. 79.74 per liter.

He mentioned that over 7,000 petrol pumps will be shut down throughout the state between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on both September 13 and 14. If the government fails to reduce the taxes even after this protest, the petrol pump operators are prepared to initiate an indefinite strike beginning on September 15.