Is a toll receipt mandatory for emergency help on national highways? Know what the NHAI has said before you travel

Toll Plaza Rules: The NHAI has clarified that claims of a toll tax waiver when the wait time at a toll plaza exceeds 10 seconds are incorrect. The public has been urged not to rely on such rumors.

National Highway Toll Rules: If you travel on highways and have heard that the toll tax need not be paid if the wait at a toll plaza exceeds 10 seconds, this information is crucial for you. Various claims regarding toll tax on national highways have been circulating on social media for a long time.

Now, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has itself clarified that the claim about toll waivers for waits longer than 10 seconds is completely false. They have also advised people to steer clear of such rumors.

What do the toll rules say?

According to the NHAI, toll collection at all national highway toll plazas across the country is governed by the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008. These rules clearly specify which vehicles and individuals are eligible for toll fee exemptions.

These rules contain no provision allowing one to proceed without paying the toll if the wait time exceeds 10 seconds. Therefore, even if you get stuck in a queue at a toll plaza for any reason, your toll will not be waived.

What should you do before traveling?

The NHAI stated that the list of vehicles eligible for toll exemptions is displayed at every toll plaza to ensure travelers have accurate information. Consequently, if you have any doubts regarding toll rules, you should verify the official information provided by the NHAI or check the rules displayed at the toll plaza, rather than relying on viral social media posts.

Often, people start arguing with toll staff or attempt to pass through without paying based on incorrect information. Doing so can lead to significant trouble. Therefore, it is essential to verify accurate and official information before setting out on your journey.

Petrol-Diesel Rates: What are the rates in cities from Delhi to Patna today? Have there been any changes in prices?

Petrol-Diesel Prices Today: State-owned oil companies like IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL have released today's petrol and diesel rates, and once again, there has been no change in prices.

Petrol-Diesel Rates Today (July 7): State-owned oil companies (IOCL, HPCL, BPCL) have not altered petrol and diesel prices today, Tuesday. Consequently, fuel prices across the country remain stable. Despite the decline in crude oil prices in the international market, retail prices for petrol and diesel are not being reduced.

Why aren't prices coming down?

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has explained that although global crude oil prices have dropped to levels seen before the US-Iran conflict, Indian refineries are currently processing crude oil that was purchased at higher rates during the period of West Asian tensions and record-high crude prices. This is why state-owned oil companies are not currently in a position to lower prices. Meanwhile, on July 1, the private company Nayara Energy provided some relief to consumers by cutting petrol prices by ₹5 and diesel prices by ₹3 at its pumps.

City-wise petrol and diesel prices

Procurement of new stock begins.

Last week, India's state-owned oil refining companies accelerated the purchase of millions of barrels of crude oil through various tenders. According to a Reuters report, companies ranging from Indian Oil to Hindustan Petroleum have collectively purchased approximately 7 million (70 lakh) barrels of crude oil for delivery in the coming months. Of this total, Indian Oil purchased 5 million barrels, with delivery scheduled for late August and early September. Similarly, HPCL purchased 2 million barrels of Brazilian 'Tupi' crude. Its delivery is also scheduled for August and September.