UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Export duty on diesel, ATF reduced; petrol increased

Q1. When the windfall levy (SAED) was first imposed on 1 July 2022, which one of the following petroleum products attracted the highest per-litre export duty?

  • A. Petrol
  • B. High speed diesel
  • C. Aviation turbine fuel
  • D. Kerosene

Q2. The fortnightly SAED rates on petroleum product exports, including the revision effective 1 July 2026, are reviewed and notified by which one of the following bodies?

  • A. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
  • B. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
  • C. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
  • D. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

Q3. By how much per litre was the SAED on diesel exports reduced in the fortnight beginning 1 July 2026, relative to the fortnight beginning 16 June 2026?

  • A. Rs 2 per litre
  • B. Rs 4 per litre
  • C. Rs 5.5 per litre
  • D. Rs 8.5 per litre

Q4. India's windfall-tax receipts were the highest in which one of the following financial years?

  • A. FY23
  • B. FY24
  • C. FY25
  • D. FY22

Q5. India first imposed the windfall profit tax (SAED) on domestic crude oil and on petrol, diesel and ATF exports in which year?

  • A. 2020
  • B. 2021
  • C. 2022
  • D. 2024

Q6. In the context of the export levy reintroduced with effect from 27 March 2026, the SAED on petrol, diesel and ATF exports is best described as a measure intended to:

  • A. disincentivise refiners from diverting these products to overseas markets so as to ensure domestic availability
  • B. tax crude oil imported into India from West Asian suppliers
  • C. subsidise domestic retail prices of petrol and diesel for consumers
  • D. replace the Goods and Services Tax that would otherwise apply to these fuels

Q7. How many petroleum commodities were kept outside the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax when it was introduced on 1 July 2017?

  • A. Three
  • B. Four
  • C. Five
  • D. Six