Meghalaya Cabinet has approved an increase in the rate of tax on diesel. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said looking at the overall revenue, the state Government has decided to increase it in the first stage by 50 paisa.
Talking to reporters, Chief Minister Sangma said, “The price of diesel between Meghalaya & Assam is quite high. In Guwahati the rate is ₹90.33 whereas in Khanapara it is ₹84.10, which is a difference of ₹6.23 in diesel, is there right now between Khanapara and Guwahati.”
“Hence looking at the overall revenue for the state, we have decided to increase it in the first stage by 50 paisa,” Chief Minister said while maintaining that the state of Meghalaya is maintaining one of the lowest rates of petrol and diesel price in the country as of now.
“We will keep two things in mind that No. one there should be a difference in the rate so that we have a great advantage between Guwahati market and the Ri Bhoi in Khanapara market. Two, we will always keep in mind the national average so that the overall rates will not go above the national average,” he added.
The chief minister also informed that revenue of around Rs 350 crore is being collected by the government from diesel and petrol.