Centre and states: Sitharaman reveals 'implication' of duty cut on fuel

Decision to cost Rs 1,00,000 cr a year for central government, says Finance Minister after 'criticism/appraisal' of decision.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Saturday’s cut on levies on pump prices of petrol and diesel "has an implication" of Rs 1,00,000 crore annually for the central government, responding to "criticism/appraisal" from Opposition-ruled states and independent experts.

The government slashed central excise duty on petrol by Rs 8 per litre and on diesel by Rs 6 litre, a move that will bring relief as household incomes continue to be hit by inflation.

Sitharaman, writing on Twitter yesterday, said that this will reduce the price of petrol by Rs 9.5 per litre and of diesel by Rs 7 per litre. This