No change made in fuel prices despite expectations of deep cuts

Power tariffs to be reduced instead, says official statement

STATE OF THE NATION

March 16, 2025

THE government has announced that petroleum prices would remain unchanged for the next two weeks, defying expectations of a reduction of up to Rs14 per litre on account of price fluctuations in the international market.

Instead, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has opted to utilise the available fiscal space to lower electricity tariffs.

According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the decision to maintain current fuel prices aligns with the government’s broader strategy to ease the financial burden on consumers struggling with high utility costs, reported daily Dawn. “The prime minister has decided to use the additional revenue to reduce electricity tariffs,” the statement added, signaling potential relief for the public in the coming days.

As a result, the per-litre price of petrol will remain at Rs255.63, while high-speed diesel, light diesel oil, and kerosene will continue to be priced at Rs258.64, Rs153.34, and Rs168.13 per litre, respectively.

Calculations submitted to the petroleum division by the regulator had suggested a price cut in line with global market trends. Projections had indicated that the ex-depot price of petrol could be dropped by Rs14.16 per litre, diesel by Rs8.70, kerosene by Rs10.33, and light diesel oil by Rs7.12.