The federal government on Monday announced a revision in petroleum prices for the next fortnight, keeping the price of petrol unchanged while increasing the rate of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2.78 per litre.
According to a notification issued by the Finance Division, the new price of HSD has been set at Rs272.77 per litre, whereas the petrol price remains steady at Rs264.61 per litre.
This decision comes after the previous fortnight when the government had maintained petrol prices but reduced the HSD price by Rs3 per litre. The fresh adjustment signals a shift in focus, particularly as HSD has a more direct and widespread impact on the transport and agricultural sectors, and consequently, on inflationary trends in the economy.
Petrol, primarily consumed by private cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small vehicles, directly affects the budgets of middle- and lower-middle-income groups. While its stability offers some relief to ordinary citizens, the unchanged rate still weighs heavily on household expenditures, given the broader inflationary pressures already straining family incomes.
On the other hand, high-speed diesel plays a central role in the country’s economy, as it fuels the majority of heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural machinery such as tractors, tube-wells, and threshers.
The increase in its price is expected to trickle down to essential commodities, particularly vegetables and other food items, as higher transportation and production costs are passed on to consumers.
The revision reflects the government’s delicate balancing act between global oil price fluctuations and domestic inflationary concerns.
While maintaining petrol prices may prevent an immediate burden on millions of private consumers, the rise in diesel costs could lead to higher prices across various sectors, ultimately putting additional pressure on households already grappling with rising living expenses.
