ISLAMABAD: Motorists have received fresh relief at the pump after the federal government cut the price of petrol by Rs3.63 per litre, bringing it down to Rs390.23. High-speed diesel, however, has become slightly dearer, rising by 31 paisa to Rs396.96 per litre. The revised rates take effect on October 16.
The change comes under a new daily fuel pricing system. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) now publishes revised ex-depot prices every day, based on a seven-day average of international market rates. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the approach follows international practice and lets movements in world oil prices reach consumers more quickly.
Pakistan previously revised fuel prices every fortnight. That changed after conflict erupted in the Middle East on February 28, when weekly reviews were introduced. With global oil markets still unsettled, the government has now moved to daily adjustments. Prices notified on a Friday will stay unchanged over the weekend.
Under the framework approved by the federal cabinet, OGRA can announce daily prices without seeking prior approval from the prime minister or the federal government. The petroleum levy cannot rise above the limit set by the cabinet, and any change to the levy rate needs clearance from the Finance Division. Kerosene oil and light diesel oil will also be priced daily.
The new rules also reshape fuel imports for the 2026-27 fiscal year. High-speed diesel imports will be handled exclusively through Pakistan State Oil, while oil marketing companies may import petrol in line with their market shares. Firms that fail to meet their import or upliftment obligations can be denied fresh import permission for up to nine months.
Separately, the Petrol Relief Scheme continues for small vehicle owners. Motorcycle and Chingchi rickshaw owners can claim a Rs100 per litre discount on up to 20 litres of petrol a month, while owners of vehicles with engines up to 800cc can claim the discount on up to 30 litres. Registration is done by sending an SMS to 9771, and a token is obtained the same way before visiting a petrol station.
