The Taxpayers’ Association in Vijayawada has called on the Andhra Pradesh government to eliminate the additional Value Added Tax and road development cess on petrol and diesel to ease the burden on residents. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, members noted that these levies contribute significantly to elevated fuel costs and their removal would provide relief. Petrol in the state carries 31 percent VAT while diesel faces 22.5 percent, plus surcharges of four rupees per litre on petrol and 3.07 rupees on diesel along with a one-rupee cess. Officials estimate these measures generate around 25,000 crore rupees for the state treasury. The association submitted requests to the Chief Minister, Finance Minister and Chief Secretary seeking the abolition of the extra charges. It added that combined central and state collections from such fuel taxes reach 7.57 lakh crore rupees.
