सारांश
On 27 March 2026, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra announced that the एक्साइज ड्यूटी on petroleum products will be reduced by ₹10 per litre. The move is presented as a buffer against the surge in global crude prices triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
मुख्य विकास
- The Central Government cut the SAED by ₹10 per litre for both petrol and diesel.
- State authorities assure that existing stocks of petrol and diesel can meet demand for at least one month.
- Citizens are warned against hoarding; artificial shortages will be treated as supply‑demand imbalances.
- Commercial LPG allocation in Maharashtra has been raised from 20% to 50% of pre‑crisis levels.
- Priority is given to 5‑kg FTL cylinders for migrant workers; hotels, restaurants, canteens, food‑processing units and subsidised food centres also benefit.
- Spreading false rumours of a fuel lockdown on social media may attract criminal prosecution under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य
• The reduction in एक्साइज ड्यूटी will be borne by the Government of India and oil companies, not consumers.
• The additional LPG quota comprises a 20% increase over the earlier 20% allocation, plus a further 10% approved in earlier revisions, totaling 50% of pre‑disruption supply.
• The policy aims to prevent panic buying and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential fuels during geopolitical volatility.
UPSC प्रासंगिकता
The announcement touches upon several GS topics:
- GS3 – Economy: Understanding fiscal tools like