Govt hikes import tariffs on 19 items; ACs, refrigerators, footwear hit

The total value of imports of the 19 items in last fiscal year ended March was about Rs 860 billion

The government Wednesday raised import duties on 19 items, including jet fuel and air conditioners, as it looks to check the widening current account deficit resulting from high crude oil prices and the rupee dipping to a historic low.

The enhanced duty rates, which will make these imported goods expensive, will come into effect from midnight of September 26-27, said a government statement.

"The total value of imports of these items in the year 2017-18 was about Rs 86,000 crore," the statement said.

"The central government has taken tariff measures, by way of increase in the basic customs duty, to