Private firms exempted from LPG import duty, agriculture cess

The government exempted private companies importing liquified petroleum gas (LPG), liquified propane and liquified butane from import duty and Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess of 15 per cent each. In an official notification, the Ministry of Finance said the change will come into force from September 1.

Until now, only public sector firms enjoyed an exemption from the cess.

The ministry had, on June 30, announced an increase in the custom duty on LPG from five per cent to 15 per cent and imposed the 15 per cent cess on private companies. 

In a separate development, the government this week reduced the prices of cooking gas used in households by about 18 per cent in a big relief for consumers marred by sticky inflation. The Centre lowered the rates by Rs 200 per cylinder of 14.2 kilograms, in a move set to benefit some 30 crore consumers.

The cut in the retail prices of LPG meant for domestic use translates to an overall relief of Rs 400 per cylinder for beneficiaries of the government's Ujjwala subsidy scheme. Additionally, the government announced new connections under the Ujjwala scheme for 75 lakh women.