Government raises petroleum levy to Rs80 per litre through two consecutive hikes, increasing the tax burden on motorists despite shifting global oil prices.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani motorists are paying significantly more for petrol after the federal government increased the petroleum levy by a total of Rs15.86 per litre within just one week, pushing the levy to a record Rs80 per litre.
Official figures show that the petroleum levy stood at Rs64.14 per litre until July 3. It was increased by Rs6.22 per litre from July 4 and raised again by Rs9.64 per litre effective July 11, bringing the total levy to Rs80 per litre.
According to official data, without these back-to-back increases, the retail price of petrol would have been approximately Rs294.85 per litre instead of the current Rs310.71 per litre. The difference directly reflects the additional levy imposed during the past week.
The petroleum levy remains one of the federal government’s largest revenue sources, with collections deposited directly into the national treasury to help meet fiscal targets and finance public spending.
The latest increase comes as consumers and transport operators continue to face mounting fuel costs. Analysts warn that higher fuel charges could eventually increase transportation expenses and contribute to rising prices of essential goods and services across the country.
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