Questions Arise Over Petrol Price Adjustments and Cost of Living

Updated: 5:16 AM PKT — June 30, 2026

The government has kept petroleum prices unchanged in its latest weekly review, opting instead to increase the petroleum levy on high-speed diesel (HSD).

The decision follows a sharp reduction in retail prices a week earlier. According to available details, with little room for further price cuts based on international trends, the government chose to raise the HSD levy to move closer to its fiscal targets. The levy on petrol reportedly remains below levels seen in previous pricing cycles.

Reports suggest that meeting the petroleum levy target for the upcoming fiscal year (FY27) would require a combined levy of approximately Rs180 per litre on petrol and HSD, which would likely necessitate an increase in the statutory levy ceiling from July.

Updated: 12:22 AM PKT — June 30, 2026

Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has weighed in on the ongoing debate over fuel prices, making claims about the role of oil companies and an alleged “mafia,” according to reports on June 29. His comments come amid discussions about potential petrol prices, with some reports mentioning a figure of Rs 250 per litre.

Updated: 11:45 PM PKT — June 29, 2026

On June 29, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman claimed that the price of petrol could be reduced to Rs 200 per litre. His statement comes amid ongoing public and political discussions on whether the government can provide relief to consumers by adjusting the petroleum levy.

Available reports on June 29 indicate that the continued high rate of the petrol levy is a primary reason why consumers have not received relief in fuel prices.