A postcard is being circulated suggesting that India imposes a 260% tax on fuel, significantly higher than countries such as Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US. However, this figure dates back to May 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and does not reflect typical conditions. Under normal circumstances, the combined central and state taxes on petrol and diesel generally range between 50% and 60% of the retail price.
Sharing the postcard on X (Formerly Twitter) propaganda account @dhruvrahtee wrote, “Looting Public in the name of Development … Waah Modi ji Waah…” The post has received more than 70k views, 3.5k likes and a significant number of engagements.
Looting Public in the name of Development …
— Dhruv Rathee (Parody) (@dhruvrahtee) January 17, 2025
Waah Modi ji Waah… pic.twitter.com/TvIInVVl7V
Several other users, influencers and propagandists have also disseminated the postcard and made similar claims. Their posts can be seen here, @muralitwit, @drsangrampatil.
The truth behind the claims about India imposes a 260% tax on fuel, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the postcard and claims came to our attention. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the postcard. We found that the postcard was not recent but old from 2020.
To verify the claims made by the users. We performed a relevant keyword search and found media reports regarding the 260% fuel tax. As per reports, this figure originates from May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under normal circumstances, combined central and state taxes typically account for around 50% to 60% of the retail price of petrol and diesel. As of January 2025, data for Delhi indicates that government taxes on fuel stand at approximately 56%. The shared figure is outdated and pertains to an exceptional period.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the postcard was not recent but old news from 2020.
2857
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 17, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: Claims assert that India imposes a 260% tax on fuel, far more than countries like Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US. However, this figure originates from May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under normal circumstances, (1/3) pic.twitter.com/7qCqNRtPHq
Intent
Propagandists are circulating old data with misleading claims to set their narrative to target the government.
Conclusion
Claim– India imposes a 260% tax on fuel, far more than countries like Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US.
Fact– This figure dates back to May 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and does not reflect typical conditions.
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