The Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) has asked the Indian Government to bring natural gas under Goods and Services Tax (GST). The federation stated that it would help realise the Hon’ble Prime Minister vision for a gas-based economy and raise the share of the environment-friendly fuel in India’s energy basket.
The natural gas is currently outside the ambit of GST, and the taxes such as central excise duty, central sales tax and the state Value-Added Tax (VAT) are being levied on the fuel.
The federation informed that the non-inclusion of natural gas under GST hurt its prices due to the stranding of taxes in gas producers/suppliers’ hands. It is also impacting natural gas-based industries due to stranding of legacy taxes paid on it.
The FIPI submitted a pre-budget memorandum to the finance ministry on behalf of oil and gas spectrum. The federation pointed out that the VAT rate on natural gas is very high in a few states. For example, it is 15% in Gujarat, 14.50% in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, and it is 14% in Madhya Pradesh.
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The federation also stated that the VAT paid on natural gas purchases is not available to the gas-based industries as Input Tax Credit (ITC). It increases the cost of production of industrial consumers and would have an inflationary effect on the economy.
The federation hoped that the inclusion of natural gas in GST would positively impact gas-based industries, increase fuel usage, and avoid taxes.
For any clarifications/feedback on the topic, please contact the writer at dvsr.anjaneyulu@cleartax.in
DVSR Anjaneyulu known as AJ, is a Chartered Accountant by profession. Loves to listening to music & spending time with family and friends.
