Although the Centre maintains a uniform excise duty structure across India, fuel prices continue to differ significantly between states due to varying VAT rates and additional local taxes imposed by state governments. Non-BJP and INDIA-bloc governed states generally levy higher VAT, road cesses, and other charges, resulting in steeper petrol and diesel prices for consumers.

While the Union government’s excise duty remains the same nationwide, the final retail fuel price largely depends on state taxation policies. BJP-ruled states typically maintain lower fuel prices because of relatively moderate VAT rates and fewer additional levies. In contrast, several opposition-ruled states impose heavier taxes, increasing the burden on consumers.

After recent revisions by oil marketing companies (OMCs), states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala continue to record some of the highest fuel prices in the country. Petrol prices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are close to ₹116 per litre due to elevated state taxes. Andhra Pradesh imposes a 31% VAT along with an extra ₹4 per litre charge and a road development cess, taking the effective tax burden to nearly 35%.

Similarly, petrol prices in Kerala have crossed ₹113 per litre in many cities because of high base VAT and an added social security cess introduced by the state government. On the other hand, BJP-governed states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana report some of the lowest petrol prices, generally ranging between ₹95 and ₹98 per litre. Delhi, Goa, and Assam also maintain relatively lower fuel costs due to lighter state taxes and minimal local cesses.

The major reason behind these regional price differences is state-level VAT policy rather than the Centre’s uniform excise duty system. The issue has gained attention following recent fuel price hikes by OMCs, triggered by rising global crude oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia. As a result, petrol prices increased by ₹4.74 per litre and diesel by ₹4.82 per litre.

To reduce the impact on consumers, the Union government lowered excise duties and reduced its own tax share. One of the largest interventions saw petrol excise duty reduced to ₹3 per litre and diesel excise duty brought down to zero. Another major reduction came on March 27, 2026, when excise duty on both petrol and diesel was cut by ₹10 per litre during the global energy crisis. However, several opposition-ruled states did not reduce their VAT rates following these central tax cuts. Since VAT is calculated as a percentage of the base fuel price, consumers in these states continue to face higher retail fuel prices, making the overall cost heavily dependent on the taxation decisions of individual state governments.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday took a strong position against offering prayers on public roads, saying that religious activities will not be allowed to block or disrupt traffic in Devbhoomi under any circumstances. He emphasized that while all faiths are respected, no one is above the law and maintaining order remains essential.

With the Char Dham Yatra currently underway and large numbers of devotees arriving in the state, he said ensuring a smooth, disciplined, and peaceful environment is the government’s top priority. He reiterated that public roads are meant for movement and cannot be used for gatherings, protests, or any form of obstruction.

Dhami further stated that namaz should be performed only in mosques, Eidgahs, or other designated places, and that causing inconvenience to the public by blocking roads will not be tolerated. He also accused the Congress of engaging in appeasement politics, alleging that some support such practices for vote-bank interests, while asserting that the state’s stance remains clear and firm.

He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone disturbing public order by occupying roads, adding that the rule of law will prevail and peace, culture, and discipline in Uttarakhand will be protected. The Chief Minister also noted that the Char Dham Yatra began on April 19 with traditional rituals across shrines, including the ceremonial departure of the Panchmukhi palanquin of Lord Kedarnath from Omkareshwar Temple.

He directed officials in a high-level meeting to strengthen forest fire management by recruiting 1,000 forest guards and reviewing preparedness measures for monsoon, drinking water supply, and healthcare services. He also emphasized adopting the “Shitlakhet Model” statewide for forest fire control, including building water ponds near fire lines, improving firefighting resources, and increasing public awareness campaigns.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that all parts of the government are working in coordination to tackle the recent sharp decline of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, and that multiple policy options are being considered to stabilise the currency. Speaking to reporters during the Annual Leadership Summit of The American Chamber of Commerce, he said the government is closely tracking the situation and responding collectively. “We are monitoring the situation. All the arms of government are working as a team. Several steps are under consideration,” he said.

Goyal noted that the global economic environment remains difficult, but expressed confidence that India will overcome the challenges and come out stronger. He said the rupee has come under pressure in recent weeks due to factors such as high crude oil prices, elevated global bond yields, foreign portfolio outflows, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting global markets. The currency recently touched a record low of 96.88 per US dollar.

On reports regarding a US trade delegation visit and possible talks involving a chief US negotiator, Goyal said discussions are likely next month, adding that there is no confirmed visit yet. Responding to questions on whether the government is planning to curb non-essential imports to manage the current account deficit, he said no such measures are being planned at present. However, he urged citizens to be mindful of their spending on imported goods.

He added that people have responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for responsible consumption and support for domestic products, saying citizens are contributing in various ways to strengthen the economy. Concluding on a positive note, he expressed confidence that India’s economy remains strong and resilient despite ongoing global challenges.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Jammu and Kashmir Police and security agencies on Wednesday launched an extensive search operation in a forward area on the outskirts of Jammu after recovering suspicious material believed to have been dropped by a drone from across the border. The package was found in agricultural fields in Bahadurpur village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Bishnah Police Station.

According to officials, the alert was raised at around 10:45 AM when a local resident noticed an unidentified object lying in the fields and immediately informed the authorities. Acting swiftly, a police team from Bishnah Police Station, along with security personnel, rushed to the spot and secured the entire area by establishing a strict security cordon to prevent any potential threat.

A senior police official stated that search operations and preliminary investigations were immediately initiated to trace the source of the suspected package and determine the route and origin of the drone movement. During the intensive search of the area, security forces recovered one tightly wrapped packet from the fields. Officials are also questioning local residents and conducting a thorough scan of nearby agricultural land to ensure no additional suspicious items were dropped in the area.

Police have registered a case at Bishnah Police Station and launched a detailed investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining the technical aspects related to the drone activity and trying to identify any possible intended recipients or cross-border connections linked to the recovered material. Officials added that further details regarding the exact contents of the package are still awaited, while security agencies continue their operations and surveillance in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.