PM urged to reduce petroleum levy by Rs60 per litre

The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to cut the petroleum levy by Rs60 a litre immediately, according to Business Recorder. The group argued that current fuel prices are beyond what households and firms can afford. It also said inflation is still climbing while economic activity remains weak, and urged the economic team to shift its focus from revenue toward relief.

PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad said consumers currently pay Rs106.15 per litre in taxes on petrol, which he called an excessive load. He said the state should share the burden rather than pushing it onto citizens and businesses alone. According to the forum, diesel rose Rs135 a litre over the past eight months while petrol climbed Rs114 a litre in the same period. The group also cited high electricity costs and load-shedding as further pressures.

The PBF said the government collected Rs1,567 billion through the petroleum levy in the last fiscal year, up 29 per cent from fiscal year 2024-25. It contends that the government could absorb a cut by trimming non-essential spending and adopting austerity measures. The forum further criticised the decision to scrap the wheat support price and urged an announcement before November so farmers can plan the coming sowing season.