Himachal Imposes 60 Paise/litre Widow, Orphan Cess on Petrol, Diesel
Revenue from the new fuel levy will fund welfare measures for widows and orphaned children, with rates capped well below the state’s legal maximum.
- On Tuesday, the Himachal Pradesh government officially imposed a 60-paise-per-litre Widow and Orphan Cess on petrol and high-speed diesel, effective from midnight on August 11. The State Taxes and Excise Department authorized the levy under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005.
- This surcharge follows the passage of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Bill, 2026, by the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the budget session earlier this year, which empowered the state to levy up to Rs 5 per litre.
- Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu previously stated, "the maximum limit of this cess is Rs 5, now whether we impose 10 paise or Rs 2, it is up to our discretion." The government selected 60 paise, substantially below the permitted ceiling.
- Fuel prices in Shimla rose to Rs 103.05 per litre following the cess implementation, up from Rs 102.45 per litre. The generated revenue will support welfare measures for widows and orphaned children.
- Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat defended the measure as disaster relief, while BJP MP Manoj Tiwari criticized the government, saying officials "do not stand up in the interest of the students." The move reflects broader political divisions over fiscal policy.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Himachal govt imposes 60-paisa widow, orphan cess on petrol, diesel - The Tribune
In a bid to generate much-needed revenue for the welfare of vulnerable sections, the Himachal Pradesh Government has imposed an orphan and widow cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel.
What is Himachal Pradesh's Widow and Orphan Cess amidst economic crisis?
The Himachal government, ruled by the Congress, has imposed a new Widow and Orphan Cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel, adding another charge to fuel prices in the state. The new cess came into force from midnight on 11th August after the State Taxes and Excise Department issued a notification on Tuesday. हिमाचल प्रदेश की तुलना में पंजाब, हरियाणा और उत्तराखंड में पेट्रोल-डीजल के दाम अधिक हैं। यहाँ विधवा बहनों के बच्चों और …
BJP, Congress at loggerheads as Himachal Pradesh govt levies 60 paise 'widow, orphan cess' on fuel across state
Fuel prices in Himachal Pradesh increased after the government imposed a new Widow and Orphan cess of 60 paise per litre. Petrol rose by 71 paise and diesel by 69 paise, following the amendment allowing taxes up to ₹5 per litre.
Himachal government imposes widow and orphan cess on fuel; what it means
Following the imposition of cess, the price of petrol in the capital Shimla has been increased from Rs 102.45 to Rs 103.05 per litre. The petrol prices in Dharamshala have been increased by upto 71 paise per litre, while 69 paise per litre for diesel.
Himachal Pradesh: Fuel prices rise as Government imposes 60-paise widow, orphan cess
Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a Widow and Orphan Cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and diesel. Residents in Dharamshala said that the increase would add to their financial burden, with one cab owner saying that higher fuel costs were affecting daily earnings.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
