The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services across India.
What is the GST on petrol?
However, petrol is currently exempt from GST and is subject to state and central government taxes. This exclusion leads to varying petrol prices across states. The exclusion of petrol from GST results in higher prices due to additional state-level VAT and central excise duty. Although discussions have been held regarding the inclusion of petrol under GST, it has not yet been implemented. Incorporating petrol under GST would standardise prices nationwide, potentially reducing costs for consumers. Understanding the GST rates and HSN code implications on petrol remains crucial for anticipating future changes in fuel taxation. For businesses dealing with goods like petrol, exploring gst registration might be beneficial for simplifying their operations.
GST Rates and HSN Code on Fuel and Petroleum Products
Particulars |
HSN code |
GST rate |
Petroleum jelly |
27129010, 90 |
18% |
Petroleum gases in gaseous state |
27112100 |
18% |
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other than crude, with the weight of 70% or more of petroleum oils |
27109100 |
18% |
Petroleum gases in liquefied form |
27111900 |
5% |
Liquefied petroleum gas or LPG supplied to non-domestic, exempted category (NDEC) customers by companies such as IOC, HP, or BP |
27111200 |
5% |
Raw petroleum coke for node making used in the aluminium industry as per standard IS 17049 |
27131110 |
18% |
Benefits of GST on petrol
| Benefit | Description |
| Uniform tax structure | GST implementation would lead to a uniform tax structure across the country, reducing price discrepancies. |
| Lower prices | Including petrol under GST could reduce the overall tax burden, leading to lower petrol prices for consumers. |
| Simplified taxation | Businesses would benefit from a simplified taxation process, reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens. |
| Increased transparency | GST on petrol would increase transparency in fuel pricing, making it easier to understand the tax components. |
| Boost to the economy | Lower fuel costs can lead to reduced transportation costs, benefiting various sectors and boosting economic growth. |
| Enhanced tax revenue | The government could see an increase in tax revenue due to higher compliance and reduced tax evasion. |
| Better input tax credit | Businesses could avail input tax credit on petrol, reducing their overall operational costs. |
| Encouragement of clean energy | Uniform pricing might encourage the use of cleaner energy alternatives, contributing to environmental benefits. |
Government plan on imposing GST on petrol
The Indian government has been contemplating the inclusion of petrol under the GST regime for several years. The primary objective is to bring uniformity in fuel pricing across the country, eliminating the current disparities caused by state-specific taxes. The government aims to streamline the tax structure and reduce the overall tax burden on consumers. However, this plan requires consensus among all states, as petrol constitutes a significant source of revenue for them. Despite ongoing discussions, achieving a consensus has been challenging due to the potential revenue loss states might face. The government's plan remains a topic of debate, with periodic reviews by the GST Council. Similar discussions have been seen with sectors like gst on air tickets, where uniform tax structures have been considered.
States not in support to include under GST
Several states have expressed their opposition to the inclusion of petrol under the GST regime. These states rely heavily on the revenue generated from the sale of petrol through state-specific taxes like VAT. They fear that including petrol under GST would lead to a significant loss of revenue, affecting their financial stability. The opposition from states stems from concerns about compensating for this potential revenue loss and the challenges of adjusting to a new tax structure. Despite the potential benefits of a unified tax system, the reluctance of states remains a major hurdle in bringing petrol under GST. This resistance highlights the complexity of tax reforms in a diverse country like India, which also faces challenges with sectors such as gst on hotel rooms.
Fuel under GST
Bringing fuel, including petrol, under the GST regime is a subject of ongoing debate. The primary goal is to create a uniform tax structure, reduce the overall tax burden, and simplify the taxation process. This move could lower fuel prices, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. However, the current exclusion of fuel from GST leads to varying prices across states due to different state taxes. Including fuel under GST would standardise prices nationwide, promoting transparency and potentially boosting economic growth. The transition requires careful consideration of state revenues and the impact on various stakeholders, making it a complex policy decision. Similar challenges have been addressed in other areas like gst on medicines, where tax structure adjustments have been considered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of petrol under GST has the potential to standardise fuel prices, simplify taxation, and benefit consumers and businesses. However, the significant revenue dependence of states on petrol taxes poses a major challenge. The government's ongoing discussions with stakeholders aim to find a balanced approach that addresses state concerns while promoting a uniform tax regime. Balancing economic growth with state revenue stability remains key in this policy reform.
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