Bhubaneswar, March 27 -- The Government of India has reduced the special additional excise duty (SAED) on petrol and diesel, according to an official order dated March 26, in a move aimed at easing pressure from rising global crude prices.

As per the notification, SAED on motor spirit (petrol) has been set at "Nil", while the duty on high-speed diesel has been reduced to Rs 18.5 per litre. The changes were introduced through amendments to the central excise rules and "shall come into force with immediate effect," the Gazette notification stated.

The decision comes amid supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing US-Iran war, which has driven global crude oil prices above $100 per barrel and strained key supply chains.

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