State BJP president in Himachal Pradesh, Dr Rajeev Bindal, on Friday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for a major reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel, calling it a “historic and people-centric decision.”
Referring to the official Gazette notification issued on March 26, 2026, Bindal said the Central government had reduced excise duty on petrol (motor spirit) from Rs 13 per litre to Rs 3 per litre, while excise duty on diesel (high-speed diesel) had been brought down from Rs 10 per litre to zero. He said the move would provide direct relief to nearly 1.4 billion citizens and help control inflation.
Citing Notification No. 05/2026-Central Excise and Amendment Rules 02/2026, Bindal said the decision came at a time of global uncertainty and rising crude oil prices due to tensions in West Asia. “Despite international pressure on fuel prices, the Modi government has prioritised public welfare and shielded citizens from the burden,” he added.
He noted that the Centre had also imposed strategic export duties, Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), to ensure adequate domestic availability and prevent price volatility within the country.
Calling the move a reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s “decisive and pro-people leadership,” Bindal said the government continues to work on the principle of “people first,” ensuring ease of living even amid global challenges.
Taking a swipe at the Himachal Pradesh government, Bindal alleged that while the Centre was reducing taxes to provide relief, the Congress-led state government was planning to impose a cess of up to Rs 5 per litre on petrol and diesel, which would further burden the common man.
He claimed that the state government had already collected thousands of crores by imposing a Rs 10.40 per litre tax on diesel and was now preparing to increase the burden further. “Farmers, orchardists, traders, transporters and the common public will be adversely affected,” he said.
Bindal asserted that the contrast was clear: “On one hand, the Modi government is reducing taxes to benefit citizens, while on the other, the Congress government is imposing additional levies.” He said the BJP would strongly oppose any such “anti-people” decision and would continue to raise the voice of the people both on the streets and in the Assembly.
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