Pakistan has announced a sharp increase in the petrol price, adding Rs12.90 per litre to the cost of fuel. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) issued a notification confirming the latest change.
Under the new rates, petrol will now cost Rs358.77 per litre. The price of diesel has also increased, although the rise is smaller.
The diesel rate has gone up by Rs3.72 per litre. As a result, the new diesel price has reached Rs381.77 per litre.
According to the notification, the revised rates apply for one day. The sudden increase is expected to add further pressure to consumers already facing higher transportation and living costs.
Petrol Price Increase Adds Pressure
The latest petrol price increase comes amid continuing debate over fuel taxes and government spending. Rising fuel costs can affect transport fares, businesses and the prices of goods across the country.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has called for the petroleum levy to be abolished. JI leader Liaquat Baloch said the party had submitted six proposals to the government during recent talks.
Baloch said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a government team for negotiations. In response, JI presented its proposals and urged the government to consider measures that could provide relief to the public.
However, the party also made clear that its protests would continue. Baloch said JI sit-ins and demonstrations would not stop during the negotiation process.
JI Seeks Relief From Petroleum Levy
Baloch argued that the petroleum levy is placing additional pressure on the economy. He also called on the government to reduce its own expenses.
According to the JI leader, there is room to provide relief to consumers by cutting government expenditure. He said authorities should look at their own spending before placing a greater burden on the public.
Baloch also claimed that Rs80 is being directly charged as a petroleum levy on petrol and diesel. The party wants the government to review the levy as part of its proposals.
The JI leader said he hoped the government would respond within three days. He also expressed optimism that the authorities could take steps to reduce the burden on ordinary citizens.
For now, the higher petrol price remains in effect under the OGRA notification. The development is likely to keep fuel prices and the petroleum levy at the center of public and political debate.
