Nayara Energy cuts petrol prices by INR 5, diesel INR Rs 3 as crude oil eases

NEW DELHI — India's largest private fuel retailer, Nayara Energy, on Wednesday reduced petrol prices by INR 5 per litre and diesel prices by INR 3 per litre across its nationwide retail network, which is the first cut in retail fuel prices since global crude oil prices began easing following the de-escalation of tensions in West Asia.

However, actual retail prices will vary across states depending on local taxes, including value-added tax (VAT).

The revised rates have come into effect at all of Nayara Energy's more than 7,000 fuel stations across the country.

The price reduction follows a decline in international crude oil prices after hostilities in West Asia eased and the reopening of key shipping routes restored the flow of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, easing concerns over global supply disruptions.

The fuel price cut comes at the beginning of the month, alongside several other changes, including a reduction in commercial LPG cylinder prices and a revision in the windfall tax on petroleum products.

State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by up to INR 183.5 across major cities, while the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder remains unchanged.

In addition, the Centre has revised the windfall tax on exports of petroleum products, raising the levy on petrol while reducing the duty on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

The revised rates, which came into effect from July 1, increase the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on petrol exports to INR 4 per litre from INR 1.5 per litre earlier, according to a Finance Ministry notification.

Similarly, the export duty on diesel has been reduced to INR 8.5 per litre from INR 14 per litre, while the levy on ATF exports has been cut to INR 7.5 per litre from INR 12.5 per litre.

There is no change in the existing excise duty on petrol and diesel supplied for domestic consumption, the ministry said.