Diesel duty increased to ₹55.5/litre,

According to the official notification issued by the Finance Ministry on Saturday, the Center has increased the export duty on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), while keeping the duty on petrol exports unchanged.

According to the notification, the export duty on diesel has been increased from Rs 21.5 per liter to Rs 55.5 per litre, while the duty on ATF has been increased from Rs 29.5 per liter to Rs 42 per litre. Export duty on petrol remains zero.

The amendments were notified by the Finance Ministry through amendments issued on April 11, which came into effect with immediate effect. According to the Gazette notification, the government said it was “satisfied that circumstances exist which necessitate immediate action.”

The notification also said that the changes were made under the provisions of the Central Excise Act, 1944 as well as relevant sections of the Finance Acts, reflecting adjustments in duties on petroleum exports. The export duty, often called windfall tax, is aimed at boosting domestic fuel availability and preventing exporters from benefiting from increased global prices. The government had last revised these rates on March 26, in which diesel duty was fixed at Rs 21.5 per liter and ATF duty at Rs 29.5 per liter.

The tariff increase comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, which have destabilized global oil markets. Brent crude prices have soared above $100 a barrel following supply disruptions linked to the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

In this backdrop, the sharp increase in export duty on diesel to ₹55.5 per liter is aimed at ensuring adequate domestic availability in the face of rising international prices.