Islamabad: Consumers of petroleum products may receive some relief in the coming days, as a possible reduction in fuel prices could not only lower transportation costs but also ease financial pressure on household fuel consumption and industrial activities.
According to economic experts, prices of petroleum products, including petrol, high-speed diesel, kerosene oil, and light diesel oil, are expected to decrease from January 16. Experts say the anticipated reduction is based on trends in international oil prices and domestic freight margin adjustments.
Petrol, which is primarily used in motorcycles, private vehicles, and other small modes of transportation, is expected to become cheaper by Rs 4.59 per litre. As a result, the price may fall from Rs 253.17 to Rs 248.58 per litre.
High-speed diesel, widely used in public transport, freight vehicles, agricultural machinery, tube wells, and power generation, is likely to see a reduction of Rs 2.70 per litre, bringing its price down from Rs 257.08 to Rs 254.38 per litre.
Kerosene oil, commonly used by low-income households for cooking and lighting in remote areas, is also expected to become cheaper by Rs 1.82 per litre, reducing its price from Rs 170.88 to Rs 169.06 per litre.
Light diesel oil, which is used in small industrial units, boilers, and backup generators, may see a reduction of Rs 2.08 per litre, lowering the price from Rs 146.18 to Rs 144.10 per litre.
At the ex-refinery level, a decline in prices has also been projected. Petrol may fall from Rs 145.57 to Rs 140.98 per litre, high-speed diesel from Rs 155.33 to Rs 152.63, kerosene oil from Rs 142.93 to Rs 141.11, and light diesel oil from Rs 125.08 to Rs 123 per litre.
Experts explained that these estimates are based on prevailing domestic prices, international prices of premium motor gasoline and high-speed diesel, and the inland freight equalization margin. If approved by the government, the price reduction would provide partial relief to consumers, reduce transportation costs, and ease price pressure on the agriculture and small industrial sectors.
