ISLAMABAD: The federal government has increased petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan, adding to the cost of fuel for consumers across the country.
According to a notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the price of petrol has been increased by Rs3.81 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will now be available at Rs341.59 per litre.
The price of high-speed diesel has also been increased by Rs3.59 per litre, taking its new price to Rs368.29 per litre.
The latest fuel price increase comes after the government approved an increase in the dealers’ margin on petrol and diesel. The margin was raised by Rs1.34 per litre, increasing it from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per litre.
The revised dealers’ margin became effective from August 22 at midnight. The decision was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also briefed on the decision and supported the increase in dealers’ margins. The move came after fuel station operators raised concerns over their earnings and demanded an increase.
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association had earlier announced a nationwide strike over the issue. However, following government assurances regarding the dealers’ margin, the association postponed the planned August 15 strike and confirmed that petrol stations would remain operational.
The latest increase in petrol and diesel prices is expected to raise transportation and fuel costs for consumers and businesses.
