Petrol price raised by Rs2.02 per litre, high-speed diesel rate reduced by Rs3.59

Dawn reported that petrol rose by Rs2.02 per litre on Friday, while high-speed diesel (HSD) fell by Rs3.59 per litre. Following the change, petrol will be sold at Rs391.30 per litre and HSD at Rs408.53 per litre. The revised rates are valid from September 26 (Saturday) to September 28 (Monday), according to a Petroleum Division notification.

HSD has fallen from its April 3 peak of Rs520.35, having risen from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran conflict began on February 28. Petrol hit Rs458.41 on April 3, after climbing from Rs266 in early March. Weekly revisions applied from early March until July 17, when the government announced daily pricing.

The government has also reintroduced austerity measures, under which markets must close by 9pm and official vehicles will receive 50 per cent less fuel for three months. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced a relief plan on September 13 for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles up to 800cc. Petrol mostly powers private cars, small vehicles, rickshaws and motorbikes, while diesel serves heavy transport, power plants and large generators.