The federal government has raised the petroleum levy on petrol and high-speed diesel, keeping fuel prices unchanged for the next fortnight despite a decline in international oil prices. The move has effectively absorbed any potential relief that could have been passed on to consumers at the pump.
Under the revised rates, the petroleum levy on petrol has been increased by Rs. 4.62 per litre, while the levy on high-speed diesel has gone up by Rs. 0.80 per litre. The levy on high-octane blending component has also been raised by Rs. 4.62 per litre, taking the total petroleum levy on petrol and HOBC to Rs. 84.27 per litre, up from Rs. 79.62. Meanwhile, the levy on high-speed diesel has increased to Rs. 76.21 per litre from Rs. 75.41.
In addition to the petroleum levy, the government continues to impose a climate support levy of Rs. 2.50 per litre on petrol, high-speed diesel, and HOBC. Consumers of kerosene oil and light diesel oil are also paying petroleum levies of Rs. 20.36 per litre and Rs. 15.84 per litre, respectively.
Fuel prices further include the inland freight equalization margin, which currently stands at Rs. 8.97 per litre for petrol and Rs. 7.25 per litre for high-speed diesel. This margin is intended to ensure uniform fuel prices across different regions of the country.
Industry experts say the increase in the petroleum levy will support government revenue targets but continues to place a financial burden on consumers and transporters, particularly at a time when global oil prices are trending downward.
