Govt to cut petrol price to Rs170 per litre? Relief sought from LHC
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a major reduction in petroleum prices across Pakistan. The petitioner says falling international oil prices should be reflected in local fuel prices to provide relief to the public.
The petition was submitted by Judicial Activism Panel Chairman Advocate Muhammad Azhar Siddique. He requested that petrol should be priced between Rs170 and Rs190 per litre, while high-speed diesel should cost between Rs180 and Rs200 per litre.
According to the petition, international crude oil prices have dropped to around $70 per barrel. However, petrol in Pakistan is still being sold at nearly Rs300 per litre, which the petitioner claims is much higher than global market conditions justify.
The petition argues that the government’s dependence on the Petroleum Development Levy has made fuel pricing a major source of revenue. It claims this policy has increased the financial burden on ordinary people instead of passing on the benefit of lower international oil prices.
The petitioner described the levy as “public exploitation” and urged the court to ensure that petroleum prices are fixed in a transparent and lawful manner. He also asked the court to prevent consumers from losing the benefit of lower global oil prices because of revenue concerns or pressure from oil marketing companies.
Also read: Government raises petroleum levy on diesel and petrol
The plea further requested the federal government to introduce a transparent fuel pricing system based on actual international market trends. It said petroleum prices should reflect real global changes rather than remaining artificially high.
The petition comes as Pakistan’s fuel pricing policy is facing increasing legal attention. Earlier constitutional petitions challenging the petroleum levy and the current fuel pricing mechanism were also heard, with petitioners arguing that heavy levies have kept fuel prices high despite relatively stable global crude oil prices.
Petroleum prices remain a sensitive issue because fuel levies generate significant government revenue under Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform programme. The Lahore High Court has not yet issued a decision on the latest petition.
If the court accepts the petition, it could increase pressure for changes in Pakistan’s fuel pricing system. However, any reduction in petrol prices will depend on the court’s ruling and the federal government’s final decision.
