OGRA recommends cut in petrol price, hike in diesel rate

Has sent its recommendations to govt for price revision in July

ISLAMABAD: Oil consumers are likely to face a hike of Rs2.30 per litre in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) for July 2019. However, they may get some relief in the petrol price.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has recommended to the government a reduction of Rs0.77 per litre in the petrol price and a hike of Rs2.30 per litre in the HSD price for July 2019.

High-speed diesel is widely used in agriculture and transport sectors and an expected increase in its price would have direct inflationary impact on the masses. The hike in the diesel price will push up the rate of inflation.

Ogra has also proposed an increase of Rs0.26 per litre in the price of light diesel oil (LDO). This product is used in the industry. If the proposed increase in its price is approved, its rate will jump to Rs88.88 per litre against the existing Rs86.62 per litre.

The regulator has recommended a reduction of Rs2.94 per litre in the price of kerosene oil. Kerosene oil is used for cooking purposes in remote areas where liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is not readily available.

In case, the recommendation is endorsed, the price of kerosene oil will come down to Rs95.52 from Rs98.46 per litre.

If the government approves the proposed hike in the HSD price, its rate will go up to Rs129.12 per litre from the current Rs126.82. On the other hand, if the price is slashed, petrol will cost Rs111.91 per litre compared to the current Rs112.68.

At present, the general sales tax stands at 13% on petrol, 13% on diesel, 17% on kerosene oil and 17% on LDO.