New 'Widow and Orphan Cess' imposed on petrol by Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh government has increased the price of petrol and high-speed diesel by imposing a Widow and Orphan Cess of 60 paise per litre. The levy will be collected at the first point of sale within Himachal Pradesh. BJP had objected to the Congress-led Himachal government's proposal in the state Assembly when the latter tabled Himachal Pradesh VAT (Amendment) Bill.