The federal government has increased the Petroleum Levy on petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), effectively blocking any relief for consumers despite a decline in international oil prices and keeping fuel prices unchanged for the next fortnight.
According to official details, the levy on petrol has been raised by Rs 4.62 per litre, while HSD has seen an increase of Rs 0.80 per litre. The same Rs 4.62 per litre increase has also been applied to High Octane Blending Component (HOBC). As a result, the total Petroleum Levy on petrol and HOBC has risen to Rs 84.27 per litre from Rs 79.62, while the levy on HSD has increased to Rs 76.21 per litre from Rs 75.41.
In addition to the Petroleum Levy, the Government of Pakistan continues to impose a Climate Support Levy of Rs 2.50 per litre on petrol, HSD, and HOBC. Consumers are also paying Petroleum Levy on kerosene oil and light diesel oil (LDO) at Rs 20.36 and Rs 15.84 per litre, respectively.
Fuel prices further include the Inland Freight Equalization Margin (IFEM), which currently stands at Rs 8.97 per litre for petrol and Rs 7.25 per litre for HSD. This margin is meant to ensure uniform fuel prices across different regions of the country.
Industry experts say the move will help the government sustain revenue collection targets but continues to place pressure on consumers, transporters, and businesses. They note that the decision has absorbed the benefit of falling global oil prices, keeping domestic fuel costs elevated at a time when inflationary pressures remain a concern for the public.
