New Delhi, March 27: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre slashed the excise duty on petrol and diesel.

Expressing gratitude to the PM in a post on ‘X’, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the decision will provide immediate relief to households and protect them from global price volatility.

“Amidst the evolving global situation, India continues to act with prudence and preparedness under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji,” wrote the Chief Minister.

“I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the decisive reduction of ₹10 per litre in central excise duty on both petrol and diesel for domestic consumption, which will provide immediate relief to households and protect them from global price volatility. The measures taken to ensure adequate domestic availability of fuel and essential commodities further underline the Government of India’s commitment to stability and public welfare,” wrote the CM.

He also appealed the citizens to remain calm, avoid misinformation, and extend full cooperation in maintaining stability.

“I appeal to all citizens to remain calm, avoid misinformation, and extend full cooperation in maintaining stability. Together, with trust and collective responsibility, we will continue to navigate these challenges with resilience and unity,” appealed the CM.

Notably, in a major move aimed at providing relief to citizens amid global energy price volatility, the Centre on Friday reduced excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre from Rs 13 and on diesel to zero from Rs 10, a decision hailed by several senior leaders for its focus on easing the burden on the common man.

The decision follows escalating tensions in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz--a crucial route that handles nearly one-fifth of the world's crude oil supply. Before the crisis, India sourced around 12-15% of its oil imports through this route.

While the duty cut is expected to ease pressure on oil marketing companies facing losses due to surging crude prices, retail prices of petrol and diesel have remained unchanged so far.