Fuel price burden sparks JI protests at 11 Karachi locations

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced citywide protests against the recent increase in petroleum product prices. The demonstrations will be held at 11 locations across Karachi on Friday.

JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar said the protests are being organised to highlight public concerns over the rising cost of fuel. He urged citizens to participate and make their voices heard against the growing financial burden caused by higher fuel prices.

Although the government slightly reduced fuel prices last week, it also increased the Climate Support Levy on petrol and high-speed diesel. As a result, consumers say they are still paying high prices because of taxes and other levies.

At present, petrol is being sold at Rs297.53 per litre, while high-speed diesel is priced at Rs309.50 per litre. According to the official pricing structure, the ex-refinery price of petrol is Rs179.47 per litre. The final retail price includes Rs8.64 under the Petroleum Development Levy, Rs70.36 as the Petroleum Levy and Rs5 as the Climate Support Levy.

Additional charges include Rs19.33 for customs duty and freight costs, Rs6.86 as the oil companies’ margin and Rs7.87 as the dealers’ margin. General Sales Tax (GST) on petrol is currently zero.

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Overall, the government collects Rs94.69 in taxes and levies on every litre of petrol, accounting for nearly 32 percent of its retail price.

For high-speed diesel, the ex-refinery price stands at Rs199.06 per litre, while the retail price is Rs309.50 per litre.

The diesel price includes Rs70.82 under the Petroleum Development Levy and Rs5 as the Climate Support Levy. Other charges include Rs15.68 in customs duty, Rs2.43 as the freight margin, Rs7.87 as the oil companies’ margin and Rs8.64 as the dealers’ margin. GST on diesel also remains zero.

The total tax and levy collected on each litre of diesel amounts to Rs91.56, which accounts for nearly 30 percent of its retail price. The planned demonstrations come as public concern continues to grow over rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living across the country.