New Delhi: The Central Government has changed the windfall tax on export of petrol and diesel. Under the decision taken late on Thursday night, the tax on export of petrol has been increased from Rs 0.50 to Rs 2.50 per litre. At the same time, the duty on export of diesel has been reduced from Rs 16 to Rs 8.50 per litre. The new rates have come into effect from October 16. After this change, the question in people’s minds is whether petrol and diesel will become costlier in the country or whether there will be relief in prices. Let us understand what impact this decision can have on the common people.
How much tax was increased on the export of petrol?
According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the windfall tax on petrol exports has been increased from Rs 0.50 per litre to Rs 2.50 per litre. This will increase the tax burden on companies selling petrol abroad.
At the same time, the duty on export of diesel has been reduced by Rs 7.50 per litre. Earlier this fee was Rs 16 per litre, which has now been reduced to Rs 8.50 per litre. There has been no change in the tax on export of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), i.e. jet fuel.
Will petrol and diesel prices increase in India?
A change in tax on exports does not directly mean that the prices of petrol and diesel will also increase in the country. No changes have been made under this decision on fuel sold for use in the domestic market.
For this reason, according to available information, retail prices of petrol and diesel remained stable in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata on Friday morning. However, future price changes will depend on the decisions of oil companies and other market conditions.
What are the rates of petrol and diesel in big cities?
According to the prices released on Friday, October 16, the prices of petrol and diesel in major cities are as follows:
| City | Petrol (per litre) | Diesel (per litre) |
| New Delhi | ₹102.12 | ₹95.20 |
| Kolkata | ₹113.51 | ₹99.82 |
| Mumbai | ₹111.21 | ₹97.83 |
| Chennai | ₹107.76 | ₹99.55 |
| Gurugram | ₹102.97 | ₹95.64 |
| Noida | ₹101.96 | ₹95.44 |
| Bengluru | ₹111.68 | ₹99.56 |
To know the exact and latest prices of petrol and diesel in your city, it is better to get information from the official website of the concerned oil company or the local fuel pump.
What is the windfall tax and why does it change?
Windfall tax is an additional tax that may be imposed on unexpected profits that an industry or company makes under extraordinary circumstances. In the petroleum sector, the government reviews such duties on exports keeping in mind the international market conditions.
This tax on fuel exports was first imposed in July 2022. It was later removed and as per available information, it was reimplemented in March 2026 amid the rise in crude oil prices.
Overall, the tax on export of petrol has increased, while the duty on export of diesel has been reduced. At present, this decision does not confirm any immediate change in the prices of domestic petrol and diesel. Drivers should keep an eye on the latest prices in their city.
