The Centre on Friday clarified that retail prices of petrol and diesel will remain unchanged despite the recent excise duty cut, as the reduction is intended to offset losses incurred by public sector oil marketing companies rather than provide direct relief at fuel stations, reported news agency IANS.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum, the excise duty cut of Rs 10 per litre on both petrol and diesel is being used to reduce the financial burden on state-run fuel retailers, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, reported IANS.