Five northern states and Union territory of Chandigarh have agreed to bring uniformity in rates of petrol and diesel.
The decision was taken at a meeting of north zone finance ministers and officers for strengthening economy of northern states and implement ‘one nation, one tax’ system.
The meeting was attended by Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Manish Sisodia, Punjab Finance Minister, Manpreet Singh Badal and senior officers from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.
An official spokesperson said it was agreed during the meeting to bring uniformity on the rates of petrol and diesel. All the participating states decided to constitute a sub-committee for the same. It was decided that the committee would convene a meeting in next 15 days and all participating states would give their recommendations.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Abhimanyu said that on the advice of Delhi, common excise policy would be implemented for all northern states so that there was similarity in rates of liquor. Likewise, Punjab suggested that there should be similar uniform policy for state transport so that there should be no loss of revenue from registration and permit fees since many trucks and vehicles of Punjab and Haryana have their registration from other states.
A committee of officials has also been set up for excise and transport, which would send reports to their respective state governments on uniformity in rates.