Islamabad, February 16 – The Pakistani government has increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 5 and PKR 7.32 per liter, respectively, until the end of February, local media reported on Monday.
In a late-night announcement on Sunday, the petroleum division said that the price of petrol and high-speed diesel has been increased due to movements in international markets and recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn, reported.
According to the announcement, the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel has been raised from PKR 268.38 per liter to PKR 275.70 per liter for the current fortnight, an increase of PKR 7.32 per liter. This price increase is considered inflationary, as high-speed diesel is primarily used in heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural engines such as trucks, buses, tractors, tube-wells, and threshers, which would lead to an increase in the prices of vegetables and other food items.
The ex-depot price of petrol has also been increased, from PKR 253.17 per liter to PKR 258.17 per liter. This increase directly affects the budgets of the middle and lower-middle classes, as petrol is primarily used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers, Dawn reported.
Earlier in January, an increase in the price of flour in Shangla and other upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has raised concerns among residents, who have blamed weak government oversight, hoarding, and profiteering for the surge, local media reported.
The price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has increased to (Pakistani) Rs 2,850 in Shangla and nearby areas, while a 40-kilogram bag is selling for up to Rs 5,700. A 50-kilogram bag is reportedly available at around Rs 7,000, making essential food supplies unaffordable for many low and middle-class homes, Pakistani daily The Nation reported.
Residents stated that the increasing price of flour has increased the financial strain already caused by inflation and urged the provincial government and district administration to take immediate measures to implement price controls on essential commodities.
