Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced that his government will not reverse its decision to hike fuel prices, despite protests from commercial vehicle owners. The prices of petrol and diesel, which were increased on September 1, will remain unchanged, he confirmed after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The hike raised petrol prices from ₹93.93 to ₹99.24 per litre, and diesel from ₹82.62 to ₹88.02 per litre. Lalduhoma explained that the increase is intended to fund social infrastructure, road maintenance, and other development projects. VAT on petrol has been raised from 5.23% to 10%, while VAT on diesel went from 16.36% to 18%, alongside a new levy of ₹2 per litre on both fuels for social services and road maintenance.
“Despite the increase, fuel prices in Mizoram are still lower than in Assam, Sikkim, and Nagaland,” the chief minister stated, urging the public to understand the rationale behind the decision. The Mizoram Commercial Vehicle Union (MCVU), which had threatened an indefinite strike starting October 14, expressed disappointment but withdrew their strike plan after assurances from the government.
