PM Modi to chair meet with CMs on West Asia war impact; Govt slashes fuel excise duty; more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers to discuss the impact of the West Asia conflict on India, marking nearly one month since the war began. The government has categorically dismissed rumours of an impending lockdown, stating that energy resources are adequate and diversified across 41 countries. In a significant move, the Centre slashed excise duty on petrol from 13 rupees per litre to three rupees per litre, while diesel excise duty has been reduced to nil from 10 rupees per litre. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained the decision was taken to prevent oil companies from passing the burden of rising prices onto consumers. The government has stressed on united efforts by 'Team India' and prioritised domestic LPG users while increasing commercial LPG allocation to states. Chief Ministers from poll-bound states including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala will not attend the meeting as they are occupied with election preparations.