New Delhi, April 12 -- The government has raised duties on diesel exports from Rs.21.50 to Rs.55.50 a litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from Rs.29.50 to Rs.42 a litre, mainly targeting private refiners who were making windfall gains through exports even as they rationed their sales in the unprofitable domestic market.

The finance ministry on Saturday issued a notification in this regard saying the levies have been increased with immediate effect according to the existing circumstances that "render it necessary to take immediate action".

Amid the war in West Asia, the government initially levied export duties on diesel and ATF to ensure their availability "in sufficient quantities" domestically on March 27 at the rates of Rs.21.50...