New Delhi, Sept. 24 -- The Centre has cut import duties on crude and refined palm, soy and sunflower oils, with the changes coming ahead of the festive season.

The basic duty on crude palm oil and crude soy oil has been reduced to 5 per cent from 10 per cent, while the duty on refined palm and soy oil has been cut to 27.5 per cent from 32.5 per cent, Reuters reported.

The basic duty on crude sunflower oil has been reduced to zero from 10 per cent, while the duty on refined sunflower oil has been cut to 22.5 per cent from 32.5 per cent.

Including the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess and Social Welfare Surcharge, the total import duty on crude palm and soy oil will fall to 11 per cent from 16.5 per cent. The total duty on ...