Wheat import duty raised

To curb cheaper imports from Australia and France, the Indian government on Monday raised import duty on wheat to 25 percent from 15 percent, an official statement said.

The duty will remain applicable until March 31, 2016, the government said.

The government also axed the factory gate tax on RBD palm stearin, methanol and sodium methoxide, used as raw materials to produce biodiesel.

The tax-free imports will also continue until March 31, 2016.