KARACHI – Pakistan’s motorists have once again been handed another as petrol and diesel hike as prices climb to fresh high, just as the government prepares to launch a subsidy for smaller vehicles.
For September, Petrol jumped Rs4.42 per litre, taking its price from Rs375.82 to Rs380.24, while high-speed diesel has received an even bigger push, rising Rs6.10 from Rs403.32 to Rs409.42 per litre.
New Petrol Price
And with the government now adjusting fuel prices on a daily basis according to international oil market movements, the price at the pump can apparently keep consumers guessing.
The government is also collecting around Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel, making every litre an increasingly expensive experience for consumers.
The latest hike comes at an interesting time, with the government preparing a targeted petrol relief scheme for owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engines of up to 800cc. Under the programme announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, motorcycle and rickshaw owners will receive Rs100 per litre in relief on a monthly quota of 20 litres.
Owners of vehicles up to 800cc will also qualify for Rs100 per litre assistance, with their monthly quota set at 30 litres.
So while the pump price keeps climbing, eligible motorists can look forward to some government-funded relief — at least for a limited number of litres.
There is also one small mercy in the registration process: the SMS required to apply for the subsidy will be free, meaning applicants will not have to spend money just to ask the government for help paying for fuel. For Islamabad, registration is expected to begin between the night of September 14 and September 15.
The timing of the latest increase could hardly be more dramatic. Global oil markets remain volatile, while escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to fuel concerns about possible disruptions to energy supplies.
Three steps to avail Rs100 per litre petrol relief: Registration, Token and Discount
