Mr Paswan keeps options open on steel import duty.

BL quoted Mr Ram Vilas Paswan minister for steel as saying that import duty on steel could still be increased through a notification.

Mr Paswan said that increasing the duty does not have to be a budget decision.

Indian steel industry, which has been badly hit by the recession, has been demanding protection from imports. India’s finished steel production during October to December was down by 8% over the corresponding period in 2008. Consumption was down by 13%.