New Delhi, March 27 -- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel, highlighting its positive impact on the public.

Speaking outside the Parliament, Pradhan told reporters, "I thank the Prime Minister on behalf of the nation. The Prime Minister always makes good decisions during challenging times, keeping in view the benefit of the public...This is a very good decision of the government."

The remarks come after the Central government reduced excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and brought it down to zero for diesel, as per a Gazette notification issued under the provisions of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Additionally, a windfall tax of Rs ...