Himachal Pradesh Imposes 60 Paise/Litre Widow and Orphan Cess on Petrol, Diesel:

The Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a 60 paise per litre Widow and Orphan Cess on petrol and high-speed diesel in the state. The new charge came into effect from midnight on August 11.

The State Taxes and Excise Department issued a notification on Tuesday under the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, 2005. The cess will be charged at the first point of sale of petrol and diesel in the state.

The new levy has been approved by the Council of Ministers. It follows the passing of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by the state Assembly during the Budget Session earlier this year.

The amended law allows the government to impose a Widow and Orphan Cess of up to Rs 5 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel. However, the government has currently fixed the cess at just 60 paise per litre.

The cess will be collected when fuel is sold for the first time within Himachal Pradesh, before it reaches the next stages of sale.

The government said the revenue from the new cess will be used to support welfare measures for widows and orphaned children. The new levy will slightly increase the price burden on petrol and diesel consumers in the state.