Islamabad [Pakistan], March 29 (ANI): The federal government of Pakistan raised the price of kerosene oil by PKR 4.66 per litre, bringing it to PKR 433.40 per litre with effect from March 28, a Petroleum Division notification reported, according to The Express Tribune.
The government kept petrol and diesel rates unchanged at PKR 321.17 per litre and PKR 335.86 per litre, respectively, despite volatility in global oil markets. Authorities said the move aims to shield consumers from international price swings while the state absorbs part of the cost: payments of PKR 95.59 per litre on petrol and PKR 203.88 per litre on diesel are being made to oil marketing companies.
The decision comes amid broader fuel-price pressures. The government also raised jet fuel for commercial passenger aircraft for the fifth time in 28 days, citing the ongoing oil crisis linked to the West Asia conflict. Pakistan State Oil said the latest increase of PKR 5 per litre took jet fuel to a record PKR 476.97 per litre. Since March 1, jet fuel has surged by about PKR 288 per litre from roughly PKR 188 at the start of the month.
Higher aviation fuel costs have prompted airlines to raise fares, with industry sources pointing to jet fuel shortages and limited reserves as key drivers. Experts warn that rising jet fuel will further raise carriers’ operating costs and likely lead to more passenger-fare increases.
Domestic one-way fares on major routes such as Karachi–Islamabad and Karachi–Lahore have reached up to PKR 40,000, while “chance seat” tickets have climbed by as much as 150 per cent. International economy fares to destinations including the Middle East, Toronto, Paris and Manchester have also jumped, ranging roughly between PKR 300,000 and PKR 700,000.
Fuel-tax changes have added to inflationary pressures, including a PKR 200 per litre increase in the fuel levy on high-octane petrol used in luxury vehicles. Combined with earlier increases in diesel and petrol this month, the hikes have pushed up transport costs and prices for daily necessities such as fruits and vegetables, exacerbating the cost-of-living squeeze. (ANI)
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