Industry body urges duty-free status for LNG, naphtha in Budget

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has submitted representations to the government seeking significant tariff relief on key industrial feedstocks, positioning the requests as essential for maintaining India's manufacturing competitiveness.

Among its primary demands, the chamber has sought complete duty exemption on LNG and naphtha imports, which serve as critical inputs for downstream petrochemical and energy sectors. The industry body has also requested reduced customs duties on petroleum coke, a vital raw material in aluminium production, citing cost pressures facing domestic manufacturers.

Additionally, PHDCCI has urged the government to maintain the existing duty framework on steel scrap beyond March 2028, when current provisions are set to expire. The chamber argues that continuity in the steel scrap duty regime would provide much-needed certainty for domestic steelmakers and recyclers dependent on imported scrap as a production input.

These representations underscore industry concerns about rising input costs and global competition, as domestic manufacturers navigate volatile commodity markets and shifting trade dynamics in South and Southeast Asia. The Budget presentation will be closely watched by industrial stakeholders for any policy announcements addressing these sectoral demands.