Madras High Court Seeks Tax Transparency in Petrol, Diesel Bills
The Madras High Court has asked the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking transparency in petrol and diesel pricing. The plea urges that every fuel bill and display board at petrol pumps should clearly show the tax breakup on fuel prices.
The PIL, filed by advocate B Ramkumar Adityan, was heard by a Bench of Justices Anita Sumanth and C Kumarappan, which also directed that both Central and State tax authorities be made parties to the case.
The petition argues that knowing the tax component on petrol and diesel is part of a consumer’s right to information, as guaranteed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It states that consumers have the right to know how much of what they pay at the pump goes towards taxes, duties, dealer commissions, and the base crude oil price.
Fuel prices in India vary from State to State due to different tax structures. The petitioner claimed that the lack of clear disclosure about these taxes amounts to an unfair trade practice and deprives consumers of their right to make informed choices.
The plea has named several major oil companies as respondents, including Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Reliance Industries Limited, Shell India, Reliance BP Mobility Limited, and Nayara Energy Limited.
The petition emphasises that rising fuel prices are a concern for every Indian citizen and transparency in billing is essential for public accountability. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 7.
