New Delhi: "It is always people first for us," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday (May 21, 2022) as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a sizeable cut in petrol and diesel prices. The Centre cut excise duty on petrol by a record Rs 8 per litre and that on diesel by Rs 6 per litre to give relief to common people from high fuel prices.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

"It is always people first for us! Today's decisions, especially the one relating to a significant drop in petrol and diesel prices will positively impact various sectors, provide relief to our citizens and further 'Ease of Living'," PM Modi tweeted.


The decision to give a Rs 200 subsidy per cylinder to beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme was also highlighted by the prime minister.


"Ujjwala Yojana has helped crores of Indians, especially women. Today's decision on Ujjwala subsidy will greatly ease family budgets," he added.




While announcing the decisions, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that despite the challenging international situation, "we've ensured that there are no shortages/scarcity of essential goods". 


"Even a few developed countries couldn't escape some shortages/disruptions. We are committed to ensure that prices of essential items are kept under control," she stated.



ALSO READ | 'Petrol price cut by Rs 9, but was increased Rs 10 in 60 days': Congress slams Centre



The excise duty cut will translate into a reduction of Rs 9.5 a litre on petrol and Rs 7 a litre in diesel after taking into account its impact on other levies. 


Petrol price in Delhi will now cost Rs 95.91 a litre as against Rs 105.41 a litre previously while diesel will cost Rs 89.67 a litre as opposed to Rs 96.67 a litre earlier.


(With agency inputs)