New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- Fuel prices across Himachal Pradesh rose on Wednesday after the state government imposed a new "Widow and Orphan Cess" of 60 paise per litre on petrol and diesel.

Following the levy, petrol prices in Dharamshala increased by around 71 paise per litre, while diesel prices rose by 69 paise, ANI reported.

The move follows the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly's passage of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the Budget Session.

Under the amendment, the state government can impose a Widow and Orphan Cess of up to Rs.5 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel. The current levy of 60 paise per litre is significantly lower than the maximum amount permitted under the amended law.

The c...