Welcoming the Centre’s move to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, individuals across various regions expressed relief that this step would help shield consumers from potential fuel price increases due to global conflicts. Avi Makwana from Rajkot praised the decision, emphasizing its role in stabilizing fuel prices and easing the burden on small traders. He highlighted the direct impact of fuel price fluctuations on businesses, particularly at the grassroots level.
In agreement, Keyur Anorkat noted that ongoing global tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran have disrupted fuel supply worldwide, leading to price hikes in many countries. He contrasted the situation in neighboring nations like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where fuel prices have surged, with India’s decision to slash excise duty by Rs 10 per litre on both petrol and diesel, which is expected to mitigate inflationary pressures.
Former Punjab Petroleum Association president Vinod Bansal, speaking from Sangrur, explained that while the duty reduction might not immediately lower retail prices, it would offer substantial relief to oil marketing companies. He emphasized that this measure would help these companies avoid losses and prevent an inevitable price surge amid the current tense environment. Bansal also reassured the public that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, with supply chains operating smoothly.
Local resident Sukhdeep Singh viewed the decision as beneficial, anticipating its positive impact on consumers during uncertain times. He believed that the move would ultimately provide support to consumers facing economic challenges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier stated that the excise duty cut on petrol and diesel aimed to shield consumers from escalating prices, particularly in light of tensions in West Asia. The reduction brought the excise duty on petrol down to Rs 3 per litre from Rs 13, and on diesel to zero from Rs 10 per litre.
