Fuel cheaper by 0.75% for those who pay digitally

On the 30th day of demonetization, the Finance Minister of India - Mr. Arun Jaitley, has announced that people who pay through digital means will get a 0.75% discount on their petrol and diesel bills. This discount will be applicable for all those who pay via credit/debit cards, e-wallets or mobile wallets. This is a part of the Government of India's steps to promote a digital economy in the country.

The Finance Minister, while addressing the media on Thursday, said that around 4.5 crore customers in India buy petrol and diesel worth Rs. 1,800 crore every day. Out of these, only 20% transactions are made digitally. However, post the demonetization announcement on November 8, this number has shot up to 40%. With the proposed 0.75% discount for digital buyers, the government is hoping to push this number even further.

The government has also announced that people who pay digitally or use prepaid cards at highway toll plazas will get a 10% discount on the applicable toll tax. Service tax on credit/debit card transactions up to Rs. 2,000 has also been waived off.

The Finance Minister further commented that the final date of implementation of these new discounts will be announced shortly.

Source: The Statesman