Petrol rises to Rs391.22, diesel to Rs421.45

Pakistan has increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) for September 17, with petrol becoming Rs6.88 more expensive per litre and diesel rising by Rs5.62.

Following the latest revision, petrol will be available at Rs391.22 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel has reached Rs421.45 per litre.

The increase comes a day after the government raised petrol prices by Rs4.10 per litre and HSD by Rs6.41 per litre. The repeated adjustments are being made under the government’s daily petroleum pricing mechanism.

The new system was introduced in July, replacing the previous weekly review of fuel prices. The move came amid heightened volatility in international oil markets linked to renewed tensions between the United States and Iran and concerns over global fuel supplies.

Meanwhile, the government has announced a fuel relief programme aimed at reducing the impact of rising petroleum prices on lower-income consumers.

Under the proposed scheme, motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars with engines up to 800cc will receive a fuel subsidy of up to Rs100 per litre.

The government estimates that around 11.8 million people will benefit from the programme. Approximately 10 million motorcycle users and 800,000 three-wheeler users will be eligible for relief on up to 20 litres of fuel per month, with a maximum monthly benefit of Rs2,000.

Around one million owners of cars with engines up to 800cc will be eligible for relief on 30 litres of fuel each month, allowing them to receive up to Rs3,000 in monthly assistance.

The proposed scheme is expected to have a monthly financial impact of around Rs24.6 billion, including Rs20 billion for motorcycle users, Rs1.6 billion for three-wheelers and Rs3 billion for small cars.