Govt ups petrol price by Re0.88 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Re0.53

The government raised petrol by Re0.88 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Re0.53, with the revised rates taking effect on Oct 21, Dawn reported. Petrol will now cost Rs382.02 per litre and HSD Rs389.80. The Petroleum Division said taxes and duties remain Rs114 per litre on petrol and Rs100 on diesel.

The latest increases follow much higher prices earlier in the year: HSD reached Rs520.35 and petrol Rs458.41 on April 3, before both declined. The government has also brought back austerity steps, including a 9pm closing time for markets and a 50 per cent reduction in official vehicle fuel allocations for three months. Fuel prices affect private and commercial transport, while diesel is also used by power plants and large generators.