KOLKATA: The slash in tax on petrol and diesel prices announced by the state on Tuesday is likely to stay for three months, but may be extended if needed.Sources in the oil companies said that according to the circular sent by the state, per kilo litre of fuel, Rs 1,000 will be deducted from state’s share of taxes. The tax component of state includes sales tax/VAT, a surcharge and a lump sum tax. There is a 17% VAT on diesel, along with a 20% surcharge while on petrol it is 25% and 30% respectively. There is also a Re 1 road development cess per litre of petrol.The petroleum dealers association has welcomed the move, though some petrol pump operators in the city felt that the Re 1 cut was not bringing much comfort for either the consumers or the dealers.West Bengal Petroleum Dealers Association president Tushar Kanti Sen said that while consumers were paying more day by day for fuel, petroleum dealers were counting losses. “We have welcomed the chief minister’s initiative. She has shown the way to control fuel price. Excise duty has increased nine times in the last year, from Rs 8 to around Rs 19. The petroleum dealers have to invest less and the sales will increase if the Centre works out a plan to control fuel prices by lowering excise duty,” he said.A manager of an Indian Oil petrol pump on Prince Anwar Shah Road felt the cut was too low for customers. “Customers are unhappy and irritated over the fuel price rising at regular intervals. A few customers we have spoken to have all said that the way fuel prices are rising, the Re 1price cut in petrol and diesel was not making any difference. This is because if even prices continue to rise daily for even 20 paisa on an average, the Re 1price cut will be made up within five days,” he said.“Our investment money is increasing as we have to purchase on a daily basis. The Re 1 price cut does not bring any change for us,” said a manager of a petrol pump on Rashbehari connector.“I had bought a car in 2014. Petrol price at that time was around Rs 64 per litre. Now, it is Rs 82 per litre. The Re 1price cut does not bring any relief. I now use my car only when it is absolutely necessary,” said Sarthak Chakraborty, a resident of Salt Lake.“The rise in fuel prices is multi-factorial, which is affecting the middle class. Previously, we used to shell out Rs 2,000 for getting a full tank of fuel, but we now pay Rs 3,000 for the same quantity,” said Anamika Poira Paul, another Salt Lake resident.

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