By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The government has trimmed petrol prices by Re1 per litre ahead of Eidul Fitr to avert fuel shortages during the holiday rush.
The adjustment, effective immediately, runs through April 15.
Petrol’s ex-depot price drops to Rs254.63 per litre from Rs255.64. High-speed diesel, kerosene, and light diesel hold steady at Rs258.64, Rs168.12, and Rs153.34 per litre, respectively.
The finance ministry said “the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) had reviewed and adjusted petroleum product prices in response to fluctuations in the international market”.
The government hiked the petroleum levy on high-octane fuels by Rs20 per litre, matching the Rs70 per litre levy on petrol and diesel. Despite no GST on petroleum products, taxes remain hefty, with a Rs70 per litre development levy and Rs16 per litre custom duty on petrol and diesel.
The move addresses oil companies’ fears of supply disruptions, as dealers often curb purchases before anticipated price drops to minimize inventory losses. The Oil Companies Advisory Council flagged risks of demand spikes and delivery delays during Eid due to limited tank lorry availability.
The slight price relief may ease consumer burdens amid economic strain, but static diesel rates temper any wider inflationary respite. It underscores Pakistan’s juggling of revenue goals and public needs.
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