The Aryavarth Express Mumbai, Maharashtra, March 27, 2026: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday welcomed the government’s decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, calling it a move that will bring “relief” to the public.
“The excise duty reduction will provide relief to the people. This decision is welcome. Prime Minister Modi’s government works for the development of all and is concerned about every section of society,” Ramdas Athawale said.
Other Union ministers also praised the decision. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that while many countries have resorted to strict fuel conservation measures and steep price hikes, India has prioritized affordability and supply stability. “When the rest of the world imposed measures like odd-even schemes, 4-day work weeks, and raised fuel prices by 20-30%, India remains an oasis of energy security, availability, and affordability under PM Narendra Modi Ji,” he said in a post on X.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia called the move a “pro-people decision” amid global energy market volatility. In a post on X, he credited the Prime Minister for acting with “strong foresight and resolve,” noting that the excise duty cut would help cushion consumers from price fluctuations triggered by international disruptions.
Railways and Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the reduction of Rs 10 per litre in excise duty on petrol and diesel was aimed at protecting citizens from rising global crude prices. “While many nations passed the burden to their citizens, India chose to shield poor and middle-income families,” he said, adding that export duties on diesel and ATF were imposed to secure domestic supply.
The Central government reduced the excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and on diesel to zero, as notified under the Central Excise Act, 1944. Additionally, a windfall tax of Rs 21.5 per litre has been levied on diesel exports.
The move comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz—a key route handling nearly one-fifth of global crude oil supply. India previously sourced around 12-15% of its oil imports via this route.
While the duty cut is expected to ease financial pressure on oil marketing companies facing losses due to surging crude prices, retail petrol and diesel rates have not changed so far.
