ISLAMABAD: Prices of all petroleum products—except petrol—are expected to increase by up to Rs9.50 per litre from Saturday for the fortnight ending Nov 30, driven by slight fluctuations in the international oil market.
According to informed sources, the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) is projected to rise by around Rs9.50 per litre (3.4pc), while petrol may see a modest reduction of nearly Rs2 per litre (0.7pc). Since June 1, petrol and HSD prices have cumulatively increased by about Rs12.50 and Rs23 per litre, respectively.
Kerosene oil and light diesel oil (LDO) are also expected to become costlier, with estimated increases of Rs8.80 (4.8pc) and Rs7.15 (4.4pc) per litre. Their current rates stand at Rs185 and Rs164 per litre.
The petrol price, currently Rs265.45 per litre, may drop to about Rs263.50. Petrol is widely used in private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport, making any price movement directly impactful for middle- and lower-income households.
HSD, priced at Rs278.44 per litre, may cross Rs288 on Nov 15. As the primary fuel for heavy transport, agriculture machinery, and freight movement, any rise in diesel prices is considered inflationary. Transporters had already raised fares earlier in the year after a Rs27 per litre hike, and have yet to reverse the increase even after subsequent reductions.
Petrol and HSD remain the biggest revenue contributors, with monthly sales averaging 700,000–800,000 tonnes.
