ISLAMABAD: The Shehbaz government has increased the price of petrol by Rs4.61 per litre, taking the new price to Rs393.75 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced by Rs1.96 per litre, bringing it down to Rs422.08 per litre.
Following the latest revision in petroleum prices, petrol has become Rs50.96 per litre more expensive in the first 22 days of September, while the price of diesel has increased by Rs51.67 per litre over the same period.
On September 1, petrol was priced at Rs342.79 per litre. By September 22, the price had risen to Rs393.75, representing a net increase of Rs50.96 per litre, or nearly Rs51.
Similarly, the price of high-speed diesel stood at Rs370.41 per litre on September 1 and reached Rs422.08 per litre by September 22, resulting in a total increase of Rs51.67 per litre.
Petrol Sees Major Hikes Throughout September
The biggest increase in petrol prices during September came on September 8, when the government raised the price by Rs12.90 per litre, taking it from Rs345.87 to Rs358.77.
Petrol prices were subsequently increased by Rs5.58 per litre on September 9, Rs3.40 on September 10, Rs3.05 on September 11, Rs5.02 on September 12, Rs4.42 on September 15, Rs4.10 on September 16, and Rs6.88 per litre on September 17.
Although petrol prices were reduced on some occasions during the month, the overall increase remained substantial. The price was cut by Rs3.13 per litre on September 5, while further marginal reductions were recorded on September 18 and 19.
Despite these reductions, petrol was still nearly Rs51 per litre more expensive on September 22 than it was at the beginning of the month.
Diesel Also Rises by More Than Rs51
Diesel prices also recorded several significant increases during September.
The price of HSD was increased by Rs6.72 per litre on September 10, followed by increases of Rs6.10 on September 15, Rs6.41 on September 16, and Rs5.62 per litre on September 17.
Although the government reduced the diesel price by Rs1.96 per litre in its latest decision on September 22, the fuel remains Rs51.67 per litre more expensive than it was on September 1.
Questions Raised Over Fuel Pricing Policy
The repeated changes in petroleum prices have prompted questions from the public over the government’s fuel-pricing policy.
Citizens have argued that when crude oil prices decline in the international market, the reduction is not always reflected in domestic fuel prices to the same extent, while increases in global oil prices are passed on to consumers relatively quickly.
The sharp rise in domestic fuel prices during September has added to concerns over the financial burden on consumers. Higher fuel costs can also increase transportation and logistics expenses, potentially putting additional pressure on household budgets and the prices of goods.
With petrol now priced at Rs393.75 per litre and diesel at Rs422.08 per litre, consumers are closely watching further developments in both international oil prices and the government’s next petroleum price review.
