Raipur: Despite fuel prices touching the sky, petrol in Chhattisgarh is Rs 12 cheaper per litre while diesel is Rs 4 cheaper per litre, as compared to the other neighbouring states.

Fuel rates are low because the reason is his government's decision to have a VAT rate lower than the neighbouring states, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said. Presently, the VAT rate on transport fuels in the state is 25 per cent plus Rs 2 per litre on petrol while 25 per cent plus Re 1 per litre on diesel.

Petrol price in Raipur district is Rs 87.28 per litre and diesel prices Rs 85.66 per litre, whereas petrol price in Gondia district of Maharashtra is Rs 96.07 per litre and diesel price Rs 86.31 per litre.

The base price of petrol is Rs 19.48 per litre, on which Central government imposes central excise of Rs 31.98, whereas Chhattisgarh government imposes VAT of Rs 15.11. Similarly, the base price of diesel of Rs 28.66, on which the Centre imposes central excise of Rs 31.83, whereas Chhattisgarh imposes only Rs 16.12 as VAT.

Apart from this state, recently, Meghalaya also slashed prices of petrol and diesel by Rs seven.

Also read: Wait what! Petrol, diesel prices cut by Rs 7 in this state

(With inputs from IANS)