Pakistan is working to provide Rs15 cheaper petrol in Pakistan through cooperation with local oil refineries, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Monday. He said the government was seeking additional relief for consumers despite rising international energy prices and regional tensions. The minister also indicated that further relief in petrol prices could be announced.
Addressing a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz said regional developments had created economic and energy challenges for Pakistan. He explained that higher international fuel prices had increased insurance, logistics and transportation costs. These developments had also placed additional pressure on the country’s economy.
The petroleum minister said providing public relief remained a key government priority. He highlighted the fuel subsidy programme, which he said was benefiting more than 13 million consumers. According to him, the government was taking measures to limit the impact of rising energy costs on households and other fuel users.
Ali Pervaiz also noted that premiums in Pakistan State Oil’s (PSO) tenders had increased. He claimed that oil refineries had earned substantial profits over the past three months compared with previous years. The government therefore requested their cooperation to reduce the financial burden on consumers. He said a petrol price increase of Rs15 per litre was expected on Friday, but refinery support helped keep prices unchanged.
The minister added that cooperation from oil refineries could enable the government to provide petrol at Rs15 per litre cheaper rates. He also indicated that consumers could receive some relief in petrol prices on Monday. Meanwhile, he expressed hope that the situation involving Iran would move towards negotiations and peaceful resolution, helping improve regional stability.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said protecting citizens from rising costs was among the prime minister’s main priorities. He stated that more than 15 million people had benefited from the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Package. The government had provided Rs27 billion under the programme, which covers motorcyclists, rickshaw owners and people using vehicles with engines up to 800cc.
Tarar added that the relief package would continue and said oil refineries had absorbed a financial burden of Rs15 billion to support consumers. He also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace. The government’s latest efforts to secure Rs15 cheaper petrol in Pakistan come amid continued pressure from international energy prices and higher fuel-related costs.
