ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar here on Sunday said that the government has decided to keep the existing prices of petroleum products unchanged for next 15 days to facilitate the masses, particularly to provide relief to lower-income people during intense winters.
Addressing a press conference, the minister said that these prices would be applicable from January 16, 2023 and would remain in force for next 15 days to January 31, 2023.
The Govt has decided to keep the existing Petroleum products' prices same with effect from 16th January to 31st January 2023. pic.twitter.com/dPwwN7fPSZ
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) January 15, 2023
He said that the decision for keeping the existing prices of petroleum products unchanged in local market was taken under the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to provide relief to common man, particularly the lower income groups and ensure provision of fuel at household level on affordable prices to meet the winter requirements.
The price of diesel will remain unchanged at current level and it would be available on existing price of Rs 227.80 per liter, petrol Rs 214.80 per liter, kerosene oil Rs 171.83 per liter and light diesel oil at Rs 169.00 per liter, he added.
Due to movements of petroleum prices in the international markets, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended Rs 8.76 per liter increase in kerosene oil and Rs 7.73 per liter of light diesel oil. However, the government has decided again to keep the existing prices of other oil products unchanged.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Sunday strongly rejected speculative reports circulating in a section of the media about the shortage of petrol and diesel in the country.
“Sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available across the country,” OGRS spokesman Imran Ghaznavi said in a press statement. He clarified that useable stocks of petrol and diesel were good enough for 17 and 32 days respectively, while more cargoes carrying 80,000 MT (Metric Ton) of petrol-(Motor Spirit Oil) and 90,000 MT HSD (High-Speed Diesel) were at berth/outer anchorage.
He said local refineries were also operational and playing their due role in meeting the demand for petroleum products.
