In a relief to consumers on the eve of Diwali, the central government on Wednesday announced a reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel.

The excise duty on petrol will be reduced by Rs 5 and that on diesel by Rs 10 and new rates will come into effect from tomorrow. Government sources said that the reduction in excise duty on diesel will be double that of petrol and will come as a boost to the farmers during the upcoming Rabi season.