Pakistanis may face another petrol price increase this week as new industry estimates suggest a rise of around Rs. 4.75 per litre in the upcoming fuel price review.
According to internal oil industry calculations, petrol prices are expected to increase due to rising international oil market trends and higher global gasoline prices.
Reports indicate that the ex-refinery petrol price could increase from Rs. 270.03 per litre to nearly Rs. 274.77 per litre during the next pricing cycle.
The expected increase is mainly linked to the rise in international Free on Board (FOB) petrol prices, which reportedly climbed from $139.03 to $143.01 per barrel.
Officials say reductions in premiums and incidental costs provided limited relief, but they were not enough to offset the overall rise in fuel prices.
The removal of a previous Pakistan State Oil adjustment of Rs. 1.41 per litre also contributed to the projected increase in petrol rates.
Meanwhile, high-speed diesel prices are expected to remain mostly stable with only a minor increase of around Rs. 0.20 per litre.
Industry estimates suggest diesel prices may move from Rs. 334.74 per litre to approximately Rs. 334.93 per litre in the upcoming review.
Experts say the sharp increase in global diesel prices was balanced by a major reduction in customs duty and other associated costs.
The exchange rate remained relatively stable near Rs. 278.9 against the US dollar, reducing additional pressure on petroleum pricing calculations.
Industry officials believe petrol consumers will likely experience the direct impact of rising international oil prices, while diesel users may receive partial relief through policy adjustments.
The final petrol and diesel prices will depend on the government’s decision regarding petroleum levy, taxes, and any last-minute currency fluctuations before the official announcement.