India hikes taxes on petrol, diesel amid coronavirus crisis

India on Tuesday increased taxes and duties on petrol and diesel, as the government moves to raise revenues in an economy that has ground to a halt in the coronavirus crisis.

Taxes and duties on petrol and diesel were increased by 10 Rs/litre and 13 Rs/litre, respectively.

The government, however, said in a statement that local pump prices would not be affected.

In the international markets, prices of fuel have declined substantially amid the slump in global crude oil demand.

Some state governments earlier on Tuesday sharply raised taxes on alcohol, which reopened to sales for the first time after March 25 when India entered a nationwide lockdown owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
 
India has so far reported 49,391 coronavirus cases, and the death toll stands at 1,694.