The transporters’ apex body All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has demanded reduction in fuel prices, and suspension of toll collection on highways, as truckers are facing acute problems amid the lockdown. As the lockdown have hit the transport sector adversely, and exerting acute pressure on the sector.
All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) is the umbrella body of transporters representing about 95 lakh truckers and entities across the country.
With the global crude oil prices on a downward spiral, it is hoped that it will help major consumers such as India manage fiscal pressures coupled with collateral damage done by corona fallout, it added.
“Apart from crude oil rates there are two important factors which determine the fuel cost – VAT and Excise Duty – which has increased significantly in last four years. Irony is – we are paying more taxes than the cost of obtaining fuel. Excise Duty was Rs 9.20/litre on Petrol and Rs 3.46/litre on diesel on November 1, 2014,” AIMTC said.
The present excise duty is Rs 22.98 per litre (including road cess) on petrol and Rs 18.83 per litre (including road cess) on diesel.
AIMTC is also opposing the resumption of toll charges from April 20, saying it has caused undue pressure on the road transport sector, which is crumbling under financial strain.
“These must be suspended for six months and the toll collection tenure may be extended for an equivalent period,” it added.
Besides, it demanded protection to the drivers engaged in supply chain in the form of health insurance.