ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis brace for increase in petrol price for second half of December as Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) okayed 5–10% increase in profit margins for petroleum dealers and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
The decision aims to help fuel suppliers manage surging operational costs, but it may come at the expense of consumers already struggling with high prices. Half of the margin hike will take effect from Dec 10, while the remaining portion will be tied to the digitalization of the fuel distribution network.
Petroleum Division has been instructed to report on digital compliance progress by June 1, 2026. Officials say the measure is designed to ease inflation-driven expenses for fuel stations and improve transparency in sales and taxation through digital monitoring.
Insiders warn that the increased margins will likely be reflected in petrol and diesel prices, potentially adding to the financial strain on ordinary Pakistanis.
ECC meeting also discussed broader economic concerns, including circular debt management, reforms in car import policy, and funding approvals for key government departments.
Last month, Pakistani government offered a brief respite by reducing petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices by Rs2 and Rs4.79 per liter, respectively, for a fortnight.
Petrol Price in Pakistan
Petrol: Rs263.45 per liter
Diesel: Rs279.65 per liter
Diesel, which is used in trucks, buses, trains, and agricultural machinery such as tractors and tube-wells, drives up costs for essential goods, including vegetables.
Taxes continue to take a heavy toll on consumers: as of December 2025, Rs96.28 per liter of petrol (37%) and Rs94.92 per liter of diesel (34%) go toward levies, customs duties, and climate-related charges, squeezing the public further.
