SRINAGAR: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that there is no increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Speaking to the media in New Delhi, she said a review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister decided to maintain uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and prevent any price hike driven by global developments. She added that excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced and support will be extended to Oil Marketing Companies to facilitate imports and stabilise retail prices for consumers.
Sitharaman further said that another decision has been taken to impose higher duties on refineries exporting processed fuel, with the aim of prioritising domestic availability over external shipments.
Dismissing reports and speculation about a possible lockdown, she termed such claims baseless and clarified that no such decision is under consideration. She also cautioned political actors against spreading misinformation, saying such remarks are concerning.
