Reduction in petroleum levy demanded

The Express Tribune reported that Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has criticised the recurring rises in fuel rates. He argued that costlier petrol is pushing up doing-business expenses, freight charges and inflation. The newest hike arrives when firms already grapple with heavy energy bills, high taxes and mounting running costs.

In a statement released on Saturday, Saigol urged the government to promptly review the petroleum levy along with other taxes and duties on fuel products. He described these levies as a major weight on both consumers and companies. Although global crude rates and geopolitical events lie outside Pakistan's control, he said authorities could still cut the levy and other elements they manage directly.

Saigol stated that higher fuel costs feed into freight, raw materials, farming, logistics and distribution, which then weakens the competitiveness of Pakistani goods at home and abroad. He recommended a mechanism that absorbs part of global oil price swings through levy adjustments rather than passing the full impact to consumers. He also said lower fuel prices would bring quick relief to industry and households, ease inflation and support economic activity.