Times of Pakistan

Fuel Prices Pakistan: Government Considers Unfreezing Petrol Prices Due to Global Surge

2 weeks ago 22
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Fuel prices Pakistan are also under strain with the government keeping the petrol and diesel frozen even with the increasing oil prices worldwide. The cost of kerosene and jet fuel has been soaring. Authorities are now considering dropping the subsidy system and move to targeted relief that is likely to raise inflation concerns, transport expenses, and high-octane fuel prices in Pakistan trends.

Fuel Prices Pakistan: Petrol Freeze Hides Rising Costs

Fuel prices Pakistan still remain at the centre of economic reviews as the government maintains petrol and diesel prices constant following a previous hike of Rs55 per litre in the first half of the month. Petrol is at almost Rs321.17 per litre and diesel is at almost Rs335.86. The government has retained such prices even when prices have gone up globally due to the higher cost of fuel.

This move aims to control inflation during Ramadan. However, it has increased fiscal pressure. Officials confirm the state absorbs about Rs75 per litre on petrol and nearly Rs175 per litre on diesel. The total subsidy burden has reached Rs69 billion.

Kerosene and Jet Fuel Prices Surge

While petrol remains stable, other fuel categories show a different trend. Kerosene prices have jumped to around Rs429 per litre from Rs358 within a week. Jet fuel (JP-1) has risen to about Rs472 per litre from Rs388.

Prices of kerosene have risen by 127 percent since the beginning of March. Prices of jet fuel have increased almost 150 percent. The rises are attributable to the volatility in the global oil market which is associated with the Middle East tensions and the risk of supply.

Why Fuel Prices in Pakistan Are Rising

Pakistan is being pushed up by the global factors in terms of fuel prices. The current war between the US, Israel and Iran has interfered with the supply expectations. The Strait of Hormuz oil shipments is exposed to danger. The freight and insurance expenses have also gone up.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil. Any global shift directly impacts local fuel prices. Officials warn that delaying price adjustments may increase future inflation pressure.

High Octane Fuel Price Pakistan Crosses Rs600

High octane fuel price Pakistan has reached record levels. Current estimates place it between Rs500 and Rs610 per litre. The government has increased petroleum levy sharply, with taxes alone reaching around Rs300 per litre.

High-octane fuel receives no subsidy. Authorities treat it as a revenue source. It mainly serves luxury vehicle users and imported fuel segments.

Airfares Rise as Fuel Costs Increase

Rising jet fuel prices have started impacting travel costs. Airlines have increased domestic fares by Rs10,000 to Rs15,000. International ticket prices have gone up by Rs30,000 to Rs40,000.

Fuel accounts for up to 40 percent of airline operating costs. Around 325 flights have been cancelled due to regional airspace issues. Routes to Gulf countries remain limited, while Europe-bound flights now take longer paths.

Inflation Impact and Supply Situation

Even with petrol frozen, inflation pressure continues. Transport costs are expected to rise. Food and goods prices may follow. Exporters already face higher air cargo charges, adding Rs50 per kilogram in some cases.

Authorities confirm fuel supply remains stable. Imports for March and April have been secured. Refineries continue normal operations.

Officials now review plans to end the price freeze. The government may link local fuel prices to global rates again. A shift toward targeted subsidies for bikes and rickshaws is under consideration.

This approach aims to replace broad subsidies with focused relief. Experts expect a sudden increase in petrol and diesel prices once the freeze ends.

Fuel prices Pakistan may rise in the coming weeks. Diesel could see a sharper increase due to higher subsidy gaps. High octane fuel price Pakistan may increase further due to taxation.

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