The latest petroleum prices in Pakistan as of April 24, 2023, have been announced by the government. These prices will remain applicable until April 30, 2023, unless changed earlier. The existing prices are as follows:
MS (Petrol) – Rs282 per liter
High Speed Diesel Oil (HSD) – Rs293 per liter
Kerosene (SKO) – Rs186.07 per liter
Light Diesel Oil (LDO) – Rs174.68 per liter
The government attributed the increase in prices to the fluctuating international market prices of petroleum and exchange rate variation. As Pakistan is a net importer of petroleum products, any changes in the global market prices directly affect the domestic prices.
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However, the recent increase in prices has sparked outrage among the poor masses, who are already struggling to make ends meet due to the ongoing economic crisis. This has been compounded by the timing of the price hike, which has come just ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, a Muslim festival celebrated worldwide.
The festival is an important occasion for Muslims to celebrate with their families and loved ones. However, the increased prices will make it difficult for them to travel and buy essential commodities during the festive season. This has caused concern among the people, particularly the poor masses.
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The government has assured that it is working on a scheme to provide subsidized rates of petroleum products to lower-income groups. Various suggestions are under consideration, including using the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) network, issuing specific subsidy cards, or generating a one-time password (OTP) for eligible citizens’ ease.
Additionally, the government is taking measures to ensure sufficient supply of petroleum, discourage black marketing, and hoarding of fuel. Consumers are advised to prepare for a possible increase in petroleum prices in the second half of April 2023.
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In conclusion, the recent increase in petrol prices in Pakistan has caused concern among the people, particularly the poor masses. While the government is working to provide subsidized rates of petroleum products to lower-income groups, consumers are advised to prepare for a possible increase in prices. The government is also taking measures to ensure sufficient supply of petroleum, discourage black marketing, and hoarding of fuel.
