ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Friday announced a reduction in the price of petrol by Rs 0.50 per litre for the next fortnight, effective from March 1, 2025.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, petrol will now be available for Rs 255.63 per litre, down from Rs 256.13.
Similarly, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced from Rs 258.64 to 263.95 after a reduction of Rs 5.31 per litre.
“The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has reviewed and adjusted consumer prices for petroleum products in view of recent fluctuations in the international oil market,” stated the notification.
Meanwhile, prices of other petroleum products have also been reduced. The new price of kerosene oil will be Rs 168.12, down by Rs 3.53 from Rs 171.65 per litre. Likewise, the price of light-diesel oil has been reduced by Rs 2.47 from Rs 155.81 to Rs 153.34 per litre.
Impact on consumers
Petrol remains the primary fuel for private transport, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small vehicles. The middle and lower-middle classes are particularly affected by fuel price fluctuations, as petrol accounts for a significant share of their commuting expenses.
Meanwhile, high-speed diesel (HSD) plays a crucial role in the country’s transportation and agriculture sectors. It is widely used in heavy goods transport vehicles, buses, trains, and agricultural machinery such as tractors, tube wells, and threshers.
Any fluctuation in its price tends to impact the cost of transporting essential goods, particularly vegetables and food items, thereby influencing overall inflation.