Amaravati, Mar 27 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday welcomed the union government's decision to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel, calling it a strong people-centric move.

The government slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre, averting retail price hike that had become necessary because of soaring global oil prices.

The chief minister said the decision would help shield the common man from global price volatility, noting that India is fortunate to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi providing stability amid challenging global conditions.

"The Union Government's decision today to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel is a strong, people-centric move. We in Andhra Pradesh warmly welcome this step, as it will help shield the common man from global price volatility," Naidu said in a post on 'X'.

The true strength of leadership is proven in testing times, and India is fortunate to have PM Modi at the helm, providing stability amid challenging global conditions, Naidu said.

He highlighted that while many nations are burdening citizens with rising fuel costs, India stands out by putting its people first, reflecting the NDA government's commitment to public welfare.

The CM noted that the decision comes at a time when the world is reeling under fuel shortages due to the West Asia crisis, driving up prices globally.

Naidu further said that while several countries have hiked petrol and diesel prices, the PM Modi government's move underscores its people-centric governance and sensitivity-led decision-making, bringing relief to citizens. PTI MS KH

Excise duty cut on petrol and diesel aims to shield consumers from global fuel price volatility. The Union Government reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre to prevent a retail price increase caused by rising global oil prices. The move was described as a people-centric measure intended to shield consumers from fuel price volatility and wider shortages linked to global instability.