Diesel Export Duty Raised To Rs 14/Litre, ATF Tax Increased To Rs 12.50; New Rates Effective Today

New Delhi: The central government has increased the duty on export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The new rates have come into effect from Tuesday. However, the government has made it clear that this decision will not affect the prices of petrol and diesel sold in the domestic market.

How much has the export duty increased on diesel and ATF?

According to the notification issued by the Revenue Department, the duty on export of diesel has been increased to Rs 14 per litre. Now, duty on export of ATF will be charged at the rate of Rs 12.5 per litre. There has been no change in the export duty of petrol.

The government has maintained the excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumers as before.

Why does the government review rates again and again?

The government constantly monitors the prices of crude oil and petroleum products in the international market. On this basis, export duty is changed from time to time.

The government has been imposing special additional excise duty and other cess on exports of petrol, diesel and ATF since late March. These rates are regularly reviewed so that availability of fuel is maintained in the domestic market and exports can be controlled if needed.

Is there shortage of petrol and diesel in the country?

The Petroleum Ministry has rejected such apprehensions. The ministry says that there is adequate availability of petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas in the country. All refineries are functioning normally and the supply chain also remains smooth.

According to officials, the pressure seen in some areas is not due to fuel shortage but due to a sudden change in the demand pattern.

What was the appeal to industries and mass consumers?

The government has asked large industrial and commercial consumers to purchase diesel for their needs only from designated consumer pumps. This will reduce the pressure on retail petrol pumps meant for the common people and the supply system will remain balanced.

Why was the limit of 200 litres imposed on retail pumps?

The government has temporarily set a limit of 200 litres per day on retail sale of diesel. This step has been taken to protect common consumers from any kind of trouble.

Officials say that this system has been implemented for a limited period and its purpose is only to improve the distribution system and not to hide any shortcomings.

What will be the impact on common consumers?

The government says that the change in export duty will not have a direct impact on common consumers. The availability of petrol and diesel in the domestic market remains normal and no immediate change in prices is indicated at present.

The Energy Ministry has appealed to the people to use fuel responsibly and not pay attention to any kind of rumours.