New Delhi: Petrol and diesel have become slightly costlier in Himachal Pradesh after the state government introduced a new Widow and Orphan Cess of 60
paise per litre. The levy came into effect from midnight of August 11 and applies to both petrol and high-speed diesel sold in the state.
The State Taxes and Excise Department issued the notification under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005, according to news agency ANI. The money collected through the cess will be used for welfare measures aimed at widows and orphaned children.
How much is the new Widow and Orphan Cess?
The cess has been fixed at ₹0.60 per litre on petrol and the same amount on high-speed diesel.
The levy will be collected at the first point of sale within Himachal Pradesh, before the fuel moves through later stages of distribution.
For motorists, the impact is simple. Every litre of petrol or diesel sold in the state will now carry an extra 60 paise cess.
The state government received the legal authority to impose the levy after the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed during the Budget Session earlier this year.
The law allows the government to impose a Widow and Orphan Cess of up to ₹5 per litre. The government has currently chosen a much lower rate of 60 paise.
Opposition had criticised the move
The proposal had triggered criticism from the Opposition.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur had said it was inappropriate to raise revenue “in the name of widows and orphans”, according to The Indian Express.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the decision in the Assembly.
“The maximum limit for this cess is ₹5, now, whether we choose to levy 10 paise or ₹2, is at our discretion,” Sukhu had said.
He also said, “If we are taking steps for the welfare of widows and orphaned children, the opposition should support it instead of opposing.”
What changes for motorists?
The immediate change is a small increase in the effective price of petrol and diesel across Himachal Pradesh.
The notification has been sent to tax and excise officials and other concerned departments for implementation. Revenue from the cess is intended to fund welfare programmes for widows and orphaned children in the state.
