PM Imran approves Rs3.2 hike in petrol price

Published January 15, 2021
The government approved an increase in prices of petroleum and other fuels on Friday, applicable from midnight. — File photo
The government approved an increase in prices of petroleum and other fuels on Friday, applicable from midnight. — File photo

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday approved an increase of Rs3.2 per litre in the price of petrol, a little over a third of what the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) had sought, Radio Pakistan reported.

The premier also approved an increase of Rs2.95 per litre in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD). Additionally, the prices of kerosene and light diesel oil were also increased by Rs3 per litre and Rs4.42, respectively.

The state-run news agency APP reported that the price changes would be applicable from midnight.

This is the third time in four weeks that fuel prices have been increased. On December 15, the ex-depot prices of HSD and petrol were increased by Rs3 per litre while the prices of kerosene and LDO were raised by Rs5 per litre.

Then on December 31, the price of petrol was increased by another Rs2.31 per litre, while that of HSD was increased by Rs1.80 — a little over one-fifth of what the Ogra had recommended. At the same time, the price of kerosene and light diesel oil (LDO), meanwhile, were jacked up by Rs3.36 per litre and Rs3.95, respectively.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office had said, "While considering relief for the people, Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the minimum possible increase in prices of petroleum products against Ogra's recommendations."

On Thursday, Dawn had quoted a senior official as saying that an increase in the prices of key petroleum products for the next 16 days was likely.

The official had said that the Ministry of Finance had received a working paper from Ogra, which worked out a Rs9-9.50 per litre increase in the price of petrol and HSD for the Jan 16-31 period. He said the impact of increase in oil prices in the international market over the last 15 days was about Rs3.50 per litre on petrol and about Rs2.10 per litre on HSD.

At the time, sources said that authorities were divided over increasing the rate of petroleum levy. However, given the government plans to revive the IMF programme, the government would recoup a part of petroleum levy it had reduced in recent months but would not fully implement Ogra’s working paper.

Opinion

Editorial

Race against time
Updated 09 Feb, 2025

Race against time

While some bright spots emerged at Breathe Pakistan moot, we must streamline our climate governance.
Open door
09 Feb, 2025

Open door

THE door is still open for talks, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has reminded the PTI. What matters, however,...
Football suspension
09 Feb, 2025

Football suspension

ONCE again, Pakistan has been ousted from the global football family. FIFA recently suspended the Pakistan Football...
A year later
Updated 08 Feb, 2025

A year later

A war of egos has been fought between a handful of individuals at the cost of the well-being of millions of ordinary Pakistanis.
Wheat decision
08 Feb, 2025

Wheat decision

THE federal decision to stop setting the minimum support price for wheat and cease the staple’s procurement...
Dhanmondi attack
08 Feb, 2025

Dhanmondi attack

HISTORY has shown that unless states deliver development and equal rights to all, disenfranchised people can target...