ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday kept the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) unchan­ged, but increased the petroleum levy on both products.

According to a press release issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol will remain at Rs253.17 per litre and that of HSD at Rs257.08 for the upcoming fortnight starting January 16.

The petroleum levy was increased by Rs4.65 on petrol and by 80 paise on diesel. Together, the petroleum and carbon levies now total Rs87 on petrol and Rs79 on diesel.

Petrol is primarily used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, directly affecting the budgets of the middle and lower-middle classes.

Most of the transport sector runs on HSD. Its price is considered inflationary as it is used in heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural engines, particularly contributing to rising prices of vegetables and other food items.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026