Taxation of Petroleum Products: Theory and Empirical Evidence

Author/Editor:

Poonam Gupta ; Walter Mahler

Publication Date:

March 1, 1994

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

The domestic taxation of petroleum products is an important source of revenue in most countries. However, there is a wide variation of tax rates on petroleum products across countries, which cannot be explained by economic theory alone. This paper surveys different considerations advanced for taxing petroleum and presents petroleum tax rate data in 120 countries. It concludes that a significant reduction in the present extremely wide variation in petroleum prices and tax rates appears warranted.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1994/032

Subject:

Average effective tax rate Commodities Gasoline Oil Oil prices Oil, gas and mining taxes Prices Tax policy Taxes

Notes:

Presents petroleum tax rate data in 120 countries.

English

Publication Date:

March 1, 1994

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451979756/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0321994

Pages:

58

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