Diesel Down Rs14, Petrol Unchanged

News Desk 

Islamabad: The federal government on Monday announced a reduction of Rs14 per litre in the price of high-speed diesel while keeping petrol prices unchanged for the next fortnight.

According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol will remain at Rs263.45 per litre, effective from December 16, following recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and the relevant ministries.

The price cut in high-speed diesel is aimed at easing inflationary pressure, as diesel is widely used in the transport and agriculture sectors. Diesel powers heavy goods vehicles, buses, trains, and agricultural machinery such as tractors, tube wells, and threshers, making its price a key factor in the cost of food and other essential commodities.

Earlier, Ogra had dismissed media reports suggesting a reduction of up to Rs12 per litre in fuel prices from December 16, terming such claims as “purely speculative” and unrelated to any formal pricing exercise.

In a press statement issued on December 13, the regulator said petroleum prices are calculated strictly in line with federal government directives and within the officially notified timeframe.

Petrol, which is primarily used in private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small cars, directly affects the commuting costs of middle- and lower-middle-income citizens. The decision to keep petrol prices unchanged means consumers in these segments will see no immediate relief at the pump.