The central government has reduced the central excise duty on petrol and diesel by 10 rupees per litre for domestic consumption. In a social media post, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that this decision was taken in light of the crisis in West Asia. She explained that this move will protect consumers from rising prices.
She further noted that duties have been imposed on diesel exports at 21.5 rupees per litre and on aviation turbine fuel at 29.5 rupees per litre, which will ensure adequate availability of these products for domestic consumption. The Finance Minister emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has always ensured that citizens are protected from fluctuations in supply and the costs of essential goods.