Govt increases petrol price by Rs6.88 per litre, HSD by Rs5.62 per litre

Dawn reported that the government raised petrol by Rs6.88 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs5.62 per litre on Wednesday. Revised retail levels are Rs391.22 per litre for petrol and Rs421.45 per litre for diesel. According to the Petroleum Division notification, the new rates apply from Thursday, September 17, while levies on petrol stand at Rs114 per litre and diesel carries Rs100 per litre.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) linked the increase mainly to higher international prices for petrol and diesel. It said the revision reflected global market rates, premiums and other factors. HSD had reached Rs520.35 on April 3 after climbing from Rs281 when the US-Iran war began on February 28, while petrol peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after rising from Rs266 in early March.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a relief scheme on September 13 to cushion motorists against costlier global oil. According to the Prime Minister's Office, owners of two- and three-wheelers will receive Rs100 per litre relief, capped at 20 litres monthly. Vehicles up to 800cc qualify for the same Rs100 per litre relief, with a monthly limit of 30 litres.