Did you know that fuel prices in Andhra Pradesh are higher than in Mizoram? Intriguing, right? In this article, we'll dive deep into the factors that cause this difference in fuel prices. We'll uncover why you might be paying more for fuel in Andhra Pradesh compared to Mizoram.
So, get ready for an exciting exploration where we'll shed light on the reasons behind this disparity.
The Main Reason - Taxation Policies: VAT and Cess
In Andhra Pradesh, the taxes imposed on petrol and diesel, specifically Value Added Tax (VAT), play a significant role in the higher fuel prices. Let's break down the taxation structure in Andhra Pradesh and compare it to Mizoram's.
Andhra Pradesh
Petrol:
The VAT rate on petrol is 31%, which means that for every rupee spent on petrol, 31 paise goes towards VAT.
In addition to that, there is an additional charge of Rs. 4 per litre imposed as additional VAT, further increasing the cost of petrol.
Furthermore, a Road Development Cess of Rs. 1 per litre is levied on petrol, along with VAT.
Diesel:
For diesel in Andhra Pradesh, the VAT rate is 22.25%. This means that for every rupee spent on diesel, 22.25 paise goes towards VAT.
Similar to petrol, there is an additional VAT charge of Rs. 4 per litre for diesel.
The Road Development Cess of Rs. 1 per litre is also applied to diesel, along with VAT.
Mizoram
In Mizoram, the VAT rates on petrol and diesel are comparatively lower.
The VAT rate for petrol is 16.36%, and for diesel, it is 5.23%.
The higher VAT rate in Andhra Pradesh directly affects the base price of petrol and diesel. When the VAT rate is higher, a larger portion of the fuel price goes towards taxes, resulting in higher fuel prices at the pump. Moreover, the additional charges of Rs. 4 per litre VAT and Rs. 1 per litre Road Development Cess further contribute to the overall cost of fuel in Andhra Pradesh.
Transportation Costs and Logistics
Another reason why fuel prices in Andhra Pradesh are higher compared to Mizoram is the impact of transportation costs and logistics. Let's dive deeper into this aspect to understand how geographical location and the availability of refineries affect fuel prices.
In Andhra Pradesh, despite having two refineries, the larger area and greater number of cities contribute to longer distances between these refineries and the retail outlets where fuel is sold. As a result, the transportation of fuel over these longer distances incurs higher costs. Here are some interesting facts to illustrate this point:
Refinery Presence:
Andhra Pradesh has two refineries: the Tatipaka Refinery and the Visakhapatnam Refinery. These refineries are responsible for processing crude oil and producing fuel.
Mizoram, on the other hand, does not have any refineries within its borders. However, the region surrounding Mizoram is home to four refineries: Digboi, Guwahati, Numaligarh, and Bongaigaon.
Proximity and Transportation Costs:
The absence of refineries in Mizoram means that fuel needs to be transported from the neighbouring states where the refineries are located.
Fortunately, Mizoram is advantageously positioned in close proximity to these four refineries, making the transportation distance relatively shorter.
In contrast, Andhra Pradesh's larger size and greater number of cities result in longer distances between the refineries and retail outlets.
The transportation of fuel over these longer distances incurs significant costs, including expenses related to fuel transportation vehicles, maintenance, and logistics.
Cost Implications:
The higher transportation costs incurred in Andhra Pradesh are eventually passed on to the consumers in the form of higher fuel prices at the pump.
In Mizoram, the reduced transportation distance due to the proximity of refineries leads to lower transportation costs. Consequently, fuel prices in Mizoram remain comparatively lower.
By considering these factors, it becomes evident that the geographical location and presence of refineries play a crucial role in determining fuel prices in each state.
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In summary, higher fuel prices in Andhra Pradesh compared to Mizoram are influenced by taxation policies, transportation costs, and the distance between refineries and retail outlets. The larger area of Andhra Pradesh leads to longer transportation distances, resulting in higher costs that are passed on to consumers. In contrast, Mizoram benefits from proximity to refineries, leading to lower transportation costs and relatively lower fuel prices.
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