Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday permitted an increase of Rs3.2 per litre in the price of petrol. The government approved an increase in prices of petroleum and other fuels on Friday, applicable from midnight
PM Imran approved an increase of Rs2.95 per litre in the price of high-speed diesel as well. Moreover, the prices of kerosene and light diesel oil were also augmented by Rs3 per litre and Rs4.42 per liter.
This is the third time in last four weeks that fuel prices have been increased. On December 15, the prices of high-speed-diesel and petrol were increased by Rs3 per litre while the prices of kerosene and LDO were raised by Rs5 per litre.
Then on December 31, the price of petrol was increased by additional Rs2.31 per litre, while that of high-speed-diesel was increased by Rs1.80. At the same time, the price of kerosene and light diesel oil LDO, meanwhile, were hiked by Rs3.36 per litre and Rs3.95, respectively.
Prime Minister’s Office had said in a statement that, “While considering relief for the people, Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the minimum possible increase in prices of petroleum products against Ogra’s recommendations.”
The official had said that the Ministry of Finance had received a working paper from Ogra, which worked out a Rs9-9.50 per litre increase in the price of petrol and HSD for the Jan 16-31 period. He said the impact of increase in oil prices in the international market over the last 15 days was about Rs3.50 per litre on petrol and approximately Rs2.10 per litre on high-speed-diesel.
At the time, informed sources said that authorities were alienated over increasing the rate of petroleum prices. However, given the government plans to revive the IMF programme, the government would regain a part of petroleum tax it had reduced in recent months but would not fully implement Ogra’s askings.
