Shimla, March 27 -- Amid rising global uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Government of India's decision to slash import duty on petrol and diesel has drawn political reactions, with Leader of the Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur welcoming the move and calling it a historic step.

The Centre's decision comes at a time when global oil supply chains are under strain due to the conflict in the Middle East, a region that accounts for a major share of the world's crude oil production. The reduction in import duty is expected to provide relief to oil marketing companies (OMCs) and help cushion domestic fuel prices in the near future.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Thakur said the Mid...