Govt increases fuel prices as international oil rates fluctuate

The Government of Pakistan has announced a fresh increase in petroleum prices, raising the price of petrol by Rs1.63 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.55 per litre.

The Government of Pakistan has announced a fresh increase in petroleum prices, raising the price of petrol by Rs. 1.63 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 1.55 per litre. The revised prices will come into effect from July 29, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division.

Following the latest revision, petrol will now cost Rs. 335.81 per litre, while high-speed diesel will be available at Rs. 388.38 per litre. Officials said the increase reflects fluctuations in international crude oil prices caused by renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf, which have affected global energy markets.

The government continues to collect substantial taxes and duties on petroleum products. Consumers currently pay around Rs110 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol, while diesel carries approximately Rs96 per litre in taxes and duties.

Fuel prices have remained volatile throughout the year. Diesel had previously reached a record Rs520.35 per litre in early April after rising sharply from Rs281 per litre during the escalation of the US-Iran conflict. Similarly, petrol climbed to a peak of Rs458.41 per litre after increasing from Rs266 per litre in early March.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik recently announced that fuel prices would now be reviewed daily instead of weekly. The decision aims to ensure domestic fuel prices better reflect international market trends, especially during periods of global uncertainty.

Under the new policy, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) will determine daily fuel prices based on changes in international oil markets. However, the move has faced criticism from the All Pakistan Dealers Association, which has warned that it may launch protests against the daily pricing mechanism.

Petrol is primarily used by private vehicle owners, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport operators. As a result, any increase directly impacts middle- and lower-income households. High-speed diesel is widely used in heavy transport, agriculture, power generation, and industrial sectors, meaning price hikes can also increase transportation and production costs, contributing to inflation.

With monthly sales of 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, petrol and diesel remain Pakistan’s largest petroleum products by consumption and are significant contributors to government revenue. As global oil prices continue to fluctuate, consumers should expect further adjustments in domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks.