New Delhi, March 27 -- Congress MP Manish Tewari on Friday criticised the Centre's decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, particularly challenging Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's statements about the government's efforts to reduce taxes.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier defended the move, stating that the government had chosen to "take a hit on its own finances" to shield Indian consumers from rising global energy prices. He noted that crude oil prices had jumped from around $70 per barrel to $122 per barrel in the past month, leading to significant fuel price hikes across many parts of the world.

Responding to remarks by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Tewari said, "I have seen Hardeep Singh Puri ji's ...