BJP, Congress at loggerheads as Himachal Pradesh govt levies 60 paise 'widow, orphan cess' on fuel across state
Fuel prices across the state of Himachal Pradesh rose on Wednesday after the state government decided to impose a new Widow and Orphan cess of
Fuel prices across the state of Himachal Pradesh rose on Wednesday after the state government decided to impose a new Widow and Orphan cess of 60 paise per litre of petrol and diesel. Following the implementation of this move, petrol and diesel prices across the state have gone up. In Dharamshala, petrol prices increased by around 71 paise per litre. Diesel prices, on the other hand, rose by 69 paise per litre, ANI reported. The move comes in the wake of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly passing the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during the Budget Session. As per the amendment, the HP state government can now levy a Widow and Orphan Cess of up to ₹5 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel.
The current levy of 60 paise per litre is substantially below the maximum ceiling of ₹5 per litre the new rules permit. The levy is being collected at the first point of sale within the state, meaning that it will be imposed before the fuel moves through later stages of sale to retail customers. Notably, the HP government has also imposed what is being called 'milk cess' on electricity bills. "If fuel prices go up, the price of everything else rises too. Inflation is already so high these days," a local taxi owner told ANI regarding the fresh price hike. He also said that fares have not been increased by taxi owners, but they may have to consider the same if fuel prices continue their upward trend.
Another Dharamshala resident ANI spoke to said, "We are not happy with this hike. The government should also think about the poor and middle class. It is very hard for us." The person also said that increasing levies are putting the pressure on middle- and lower-income groups, while questioning how those who are employed or struggling financially would manage such additional burdens on them. What BJP, Congress are saying regarding the move The BJP has slammed the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government for this move, with MP Manoj Tiwari saying that these are the same people who do not let the Parliament function and do not stand up for students. The Congress has defended the decision.
MP Sukhdeo Bharat said that the Central assistance expected after the flood was not sent to the state. "Himachal Pradesh has gone through a disaster; the Prime Minister visited and made promises. But the Central assistance that should have been provided was not received. The government has limited revenue sources and few alternatives. The taxes being imposed are for welfare measures, not for luxury or other unnecessary things," ANI quoted him as saying.
The BriefWire