Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has said that the petroleum levy is beyond his unilateral control, explaining that its targets are set in the federal budget and cannot be changed without consultation with international partners.
Speaking to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, the minister stated that the current petroleum levy stands at Rs. 80 per litre on both petrol and diesel. His remarks come amid ongoing concerns about rising fuel prices and their impact on consumers across the country.
Malik explained that petroleum levy targets are linked to the government’s budgetary commitments. Any change to these targets would require consultation with relevant international partners, making it difficult to alter the levy through an individual decision.
The minister also highlighted regional tensions and disruptions in global supply chains as factors influencing petroleum prices. International developments can affect oil supplies and market conditions, creating challenges for countries that rely on imported energy to meet domestic demand.
In Pakistan, changes in petroleum prices have a direct impact on household budgets, transportation costs, and business operations. Higher fuel expenses can also increase the cost of moving goods, affecting prices across different sectors of the economy.
The petroleum levy remains an important source of revenue for the federal government. However, its impact on consumers continues to be a concern, particularly for households already dealing with rising living costs.
The minister’s statement highlights the challenges involved in managing fuel prices while meeting budgetary targets and responding to international market conditions. The issue remains important for policymakers as they balance revenue requirements with the financial pressure faced by consumers and businesses throughout Pakistan.
