The federal government has increased the Petroleum Levy (PL) on petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), effectively denying consumers any relief despite a decline in international oil prices and keeping fuel prices unchanged for the next fortnight.

According to official details, the levy on petrol has been raised by Rs4.62 per litre, while the PL on high-speed diesel has increased by Rs0.80 per litre. The decision absorbs the potential benefit of lower global oil prices, preventing any cut in retail fuel rates.

The levy on High Octane Blending Component (HOBC) has also been increased by Rs4.62 per litre. As a result, the total PL on petrol and HOBC has climbed to Rs84.27 per litre, up from Rs79.62. Meanwhile, the PL on HSD has increased to Rs76.21 per litre from Rs75.41.

In addition to the petroleum levy, the government continues to impose a Climate Support Levy (CSL) of Rs2.50 per litre on petrol, HSD, and HOBC. Consumers of kerosene oil and light diesel oil (LDO) are also paying petroleum levies of Rs20.36 and Rs15.84 per litre, respectively.

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Fuel prices further include the Inland Freight Equalization Margin (IFEM), currently fixed at Rs8.97 per litre for petrol and Rs7.25 per litre for HSD, aimed at maintaining uniform fuel prices across the country.

Industry experts say the higher levies will help the government sustain revenue collection targets but will continue to put pressure on consumers, transporters, and businesses. They note that maintaining elevated fuel costs, despite falling global prices, may add to inflationary pressures and raise transportation expenses in the coming weeks.