Petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan remain significantly higher than their basic costs because of petroleum levies, taxes and various margins, official documents have revealed.
According to the documents, the basic cost of one litre of petrol is Rs197.69. However, its current retail price has been fixed at Rs327.62 per litre, creating a substantial additional burden for consumers.
The documents show that consumers are paying Rs130.23 per litre above the basic petrol cost. The additional amount includes petroleum levy, climate support levy, customs duty, freight charges and margins.
Petrol carries an Rs80 petroleum levy and Rs5 climate support levy per litre. It also includes Rs21.24 in customs duty, Rs7.48 in inland freight equalisation margin and Rs7.87 for oil marketing companies.
Dealers also receive a margin of Rs8.64 per litre on petrol. These charges collectively raise the final price paid by consumers at petrol stations across the country.
The situation is similar for high-speed diesel. Its basic cost is Rs264.76 per litre, while the government-fixed retail price stands at Rs380.86, according to the available documents.
High-speed diesel includes Rs74.28 petroleum levy and Rs5 climate support levy per litre. Customs duty accounts for Rs15.68, while freight, oil marketing company and dealer margins add further costs.
The breakdown highlights the significant role of taxes, levies and distribution margins in petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan. The figures are likely to keep the fuel cost debate in focus as consumers face higher transportation and household expenses.
