Ranchi: Jharkhand Petroleum Dealers Association has now taken the path of agitation demanding a reduction in VAT rates on petrol and diesel in the state. Officials of the association told a press conference in Ranchi on Friday that if the state government does not reduce vat rates on petrol-diesel from 22 per cent to 17 per cent, all petrol pumps across Jharkhand will be closed on December 21. Association president Ashok Kumar Singh said that we had met the Finance Minister of the state government and submitted a memorandum to him in this regard, but no action has been taken so far. There are 1400 petrol pumps in Jharkhand, which directly link the livelihood of more than 2.50 lakh families.
He said that due to high VAT rates, business is not only affecting business but also the common people are facing problems. After the reduction in excise tax by the Central Government, most of the states have reduced their taxes on petroleum products, but there has been no initiative from the Jharkhand Government. In February 2015, the then Government of Jharkhand increased the VAT rate on petroleum products from 18 per cent to 22 per cent, since then the business in the state has been weakening.
Officials of the association said Jharkhand petroleum dealers association will launch 'Jan Jagran Abhiyan' from December 11 demanding a reduction in VAT. Under this, the people will be told what is the loss being caused to the state and the consumer due to the non-reduction of VAT. Thereafter, a one-day strike will be held on 21st December by putting up a board of 'No Purchase No Sale' at all petrol pumps in the State.
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