Crude Oil Rates Rise, Diesel and ATF Levies Abolished

03 Jan 2024 CW Team

In a significant move impacting the energy sector, authorities have implemented a windfall tax on petroleum, leading to a surge in crude oil rates. The decision aims to bolster revenue streams and address fiscal concerns. As a result, consumers may witness an uptick in prices across various sectors dependent on crude oil. The windfall tax, a measure applied to unexpected profits, seeks to ensure a fair distribution of revenue from the petroleum sector. This move is anticipated to contribute substantially to the government's coffers, providing fiscal relief amidst economic challenges. However, there's a contrasting development for diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) consumers. The levies on these essential fuels have been reduced to nil, signalling a potential reduction in prices at the pump. This strategic decision aligns with efforts to ease the financial burden on consumers and industries heavily reliant on diesel and ATF. The petroleum industry, a cornerstone of the global economy, often faces fluctuations driven by geopolitical events, supply-demand dynamics, and regulatory changes. The recent tax adjustments reflect a nuanced response to these factors, aiming to strike a balance between government revenue and consumer affordability.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Apr 2026

Mineral Auction Rules Amended To Speed Mine Operationalisation

The Ministry of Mines notified the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2026 on 30 March 2026 to accelerate operationalisation of mines and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector. The amendment follows a prior change to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 effected on 17 October 2025 that introduced intermediary timelines between issuance of a letter of intent (LoI) and execution of the mining lease. The 2025 change provided that one per cent of performance security would be appropriated for each month of delay by the preferred bidder and introduced incentives for early operatio..

Indian Railways Strengthens Telecom And AI Safety Systems

Indian Railways strengthened its telecom and digital infrastructure during 2025-26 with the aim of improving safety, operational efficiency and the passenger experience. The programme promoted modernisation through advanced technologies, robust communication systems and passenger-centric solutions. These measures were presented as part of a drive to build a digitally integrated rail ecosystem. A key development was the enhancement of the Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) backbone, commissioned at 1,396 stations to meet bandwidth needs of mission-critical applications. ..

NHAI Holds Workshop on Litigation Management and Coordination

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) organised a day-long workshop in New Delhi to strengthen capacity and interdepartmental synergy for faster execution of national highway projects. The event was held under Mission Karmayogi – Sadhana Saptah, an initiative of the Government of India to enhance governance through capacity building and improved processes. The workshop focused on structured and solution oriented deliberations to address implementation constraints. The session was chaired by the NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and brought together senior officials from NHAI, the M..