ISLAMABAD, Nov 25: Prices of petroleum products are estimated to show mixed trend later this week even though international prices have declined.

A government official said prices should have come down because of lower international prices in November but a substantial devaluation of rupee against dollar was to cause increase in prices of high speed diesel, kerosene and high octane blending component.

He said the dollar was valued at Rs105 on Nov 1 which had now reached Rs109.50 on Monday, showing an increase of about Rs4.50 per dollar or about 9 per cent. He said prices of petroleum products were finalised on 28th of each month but based on current data, the price of high speed diesel was estimated to go up by 80 paisa per unit.

The price of kerosene had been worked out to go up by 25 paisa per unit while HOBC rate was estimated to increase by Rs3.70 per liter. The price of petrol is estimated to increase by 8 paisa per unit but the government would like to keep it unchanged in view of shortage of CNG. The price of light diesel oil is estimated to reduce by 85 paisa per unit.

He said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority would forward its final summary to the government on Nov 28 for approval.