Govt keeps petrol, diesel prices unchanged

The government on Friday kept prices of diesel and petrol unchanged effective from April 1, 2023 despite a dip in rates in the international market.

However, it reduced the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil by Rs10 per litre each.

The price of high speed diesel (HSD) was expected to witness a decline of Rs14.31 per litre.

Diesel is widely used in transport and agriculture sectors. The reduction in its price could have brought inflationary impact down and a relief for farmers as the crop-sowing season had kicked off.

However, the government maintained its existing price of Rs293 per litre for the next fortnight effective from April 1, 2023.

Meanwhile, the oil industry was expecting a reduction of Rs3.51 per litre in the price of petrol.

Also read: Major relief in diesel price expected

Petrol is an alternative to the compressed natural gas (CNG), especially in Punjab where CNG outlets rely on imported gas. However, in the recent winter, LNG was not made available to them.

The government also maintained its price at Rs272 per litre.

The consumers were already facing high prices, especially the low-income group, who had motorbikes and small cars.

With a fresh reduction of Rs10 per litre, the price of kerosene oil came down to Rs180.29 per litre against the earlier price of Rs190.29 per litre.

Kerosene oil is an important household fuel because of its use for cooking and heating purposes in remote areas.

Pakistan Army is also its key user in the northern part of Pakistan.

In 13 days, the US dollar appreciated by Rs4.66 against the rupee.

The light diesel oil is used in industry. The government cut its price by Rs10 from Rs184.68 per litre to Rs 174.68 per litre.