By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The government has announced another increase in petroleum product prices, raising petrol by Rs3.40 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs6.72 per litre, according to a fresh notification.
Following the revision, the price of petrol has been fixed at Rs367.75 per litre, while high-speed diesel will now cost Rs392.67 per litre.
According to the notification, the revised petroleum prices are applicable for September 10 and will take effect after midnight.
The latest revision marks another increase in fuel costs at a time when consumers, transporters and businesses are already facing pressure from elevated energy prices.
Diesel jumps Rs6.72 per litre
The Rs6.72 increase in high-speed diesel is particularly significant because diesel is widely used in heavy transport, agriculture and commercial operations.
Higher diesel prices can increase the cost of moving goods between farms, factories and markets, potentially adding to transportation and production expenses.
Petrol, meanwhile, has been increased by another Rs3.40 per litre to Rs367.75, directly affecting motorists and millions of motorcycle users who rely on petrol for daily commuting.
The latest notification continues a series of frequent petroleum price revisions, leaving consumers exposed to rapidly changing fuel costs.
Electricity also becomes more expensive
The fuel price increase comes alongside another financial burden for electricity consumers.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has notified a 52-paisa-per-unit increase in electricity tariffs under the second quarterly adjustment of the current year.
The adjustment is expected to impose an additional burden of more than Rs12.67 billion on electricity consumers.
The additional amount will be recovered through bills for September, October and November, meaning affected consumers will pay the adjustment for three consecutive months.
The increase will apply to electricity consumers across the country, including K-Electric customers, in accordance with the notified mechanism.
NEPRA had earlier approved the quarterly adjustment, while the formal notification was issued following approval from the federal government.
Consumers face double energy burden
The simultaneous increases in petroleum and electricity prices add to cost pressures facing households and businesses.
Petrol prices directly affect private transportation and commuting costs, while diesel has broader implications for freight, agriculture and public transport. Higher electricity tariffs, meanwhile, increase utility expenses for households as well as commercial and industrial consumers.
With petrol now at Rs367.75 per litre, diesel at Rs392.67 per litre and an additional electricity adjustment being recovered over three months, energy costs are likely to remain a major concern for consumers.
