New Delhi: India has lowered export duties on petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for the upcoming fortnight, easing levies on fuel shipments as global energy prices remain under close watch.
According to a government notification, the revised rates will come into effect from June 1 and remain valid for the next two weeks under the country’s fortnightly review mechanism.
Under the new structure, the export duty on petrol has been reduced to ₹1.5 per litre from ₹3 per litre. The duty on diesel has been cut to ₹13.5 per litre from ₹16.5 per litre, while the levy on aviation turbine fuel has been lowered to ₹9.5 per litre from ₹16 per litre.
The review is part of a system introduced by the government to periodically adjust export duties in line with movements in international crude oil and refined fuel prices. The mechanism allows authorities to respond to changing market conditions while safeguarding domestic fuel availability.
The export duties, comprising the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) and the Road and Infrastructure Cess (RIC), were first imposed on March 27, 2026.
The measures were introduced amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia that raised concerns over global energy supplies and price volatility.
With the latest revision, petrol exports will attract only a Special Additional Excise Duty of ₹1.5 per liter. Diesel exports will be subject to an SAED of ₹13.5 per litre, while ATF exports will continue to carry an SAED of ₹9.5 per litre.
The reduction follows the previous review announced on May 16, when the government had raised the export duty on petrol while easing levies on diesel and aviation fuel. The latest changes indicate a softer duty structure as authorities reassess market conditions.
Officials said the review process is based on average international prices of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel recorded during the preceding assessment period. The approach is intended to strike a balance between export competitiveness and domestic energy security.
The government has also clarified that excise duty rates on petrol and diesel sold within India remain unchanged. As a result, the latest adjustment in export duties is not expected to have any immediate impact on retail fuel prices for consumers.
The next review of export duties on petroleum products is expected in mid-June.
