The federal government announced on Tuesday that petrol prices will remain unchanged, while the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) will increase by Rs 5 per litre for the next fortnight, reflecting fluctuations in global oil rates.
These changes will take effect from October 16, as outlined in the official notification. Previously, the new prices were implemented on September 16.
According to a statement from the Finance Division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) calculated the consumer prices for petroleum products based on international market price variations. Following the increase, the price of HSD will now be Rs 251.29 per litre.
Petrol is primarily used for private transportation, small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers, making higher fuel prices a significant concern for middle and lower-middle-class consumers reliant on it for commuting. Conversely, high-speed diesel is crucial for the transport sector, affecting the costs of heavy goods transport, including trucks, buses, trains, and agricultural machinery.
The rising price of diesel is particularly inflationary, as it plays a key role in the pricing of vegetables and other food items.
