Instead of providing relief, the government has imposed a significant increase in the petroleum levy, dashing public hopes for a possible reduction in petrol and diesel prices.
According to data released by the Ministry of Finance, the petroleum levy on petrol has been increased by Rs. 8.02 per liter, bringing the total levy to Rs. 78.02 per liter.
Similarly, the levy on diesel has been raised by Rs. 7.01, setting the total petroleum levy on diesel at Rs. 77.01 per liter.
Experts say that without the levy hike, petrol prices could have been reduced by Rs. 8 and diesel by Rs. 7 per liter. However, with the current decision, no price reduction is expected.
It is noteworthy that the government has decided to maintain the current petroleum prices.
Instead of passing on the global decline in petroleum prices to consumers, the savings will be allocated to the dualization of the key N-25 highway (Chaman–Quetta–Kalat–Khuzdar–Karachi) in Balochistan.
The dualization of this highway will provide better travel facilities for the people of Balochistan. Additionally, the savings from petroleum price cuts will also be used to complete Phase 2 of the Kachhi Canal project.
The completion of the Kachhi Canal project will irrigate hundreds of acres of land in Balochistan, bringing prosperity to the province and the country as a whole.
