ISLAMABAD: The federal government announced a slight reduction in petroleum prices on Saturday but simultaneously adjusted various charges and margins, effectively limiting the relief for consumers.
As a result, the public has been deprived of a Rs1.42 reduction on petrol and 50 paise on diesel.
Documents reveal that freight charges on petrol have increased by Rs1.42, raising them to Rs5.79 per litre from the previous Rs4.37 set on February 1. Meanwhile, the levy on petrol remains unchanged at Rs60 per litre, with the oil marketing company’s margin fixed at Rs7.87 and the dealer margin at Rs8.64.
Similar changes apply to diesel. Freight charges have risen by Rs27, bringing the new rate to Rs2.92 per litre, while an additional margin has been increased by Rs23, reaching Rs30 per litre. The Pakistan State Oil exchange adjustment has also increased by Rs1.96 per litre. The diesel levy remains at Rs60 per litre, with the dealer margin unchanged at Rs8.64.
According to a notification from the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol has been reduced by only Re1 per litre for the next 15 days, setting the new rate at Rs256.13 per litre. High-speed diesel saw a Rs4 per litre reduction, bringing its price to Rs263.95.
Additionally, light diesel oil now costs Rs155.81 per litre after a Rs5.25 decrease, while kerosene oil is priced at Rs171.65 per litre following a Rs3.20 reduction.
Public reaction has been largely critical, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the minor price cuts while additional charges remain in place, calling the move “unfair to the public.”
