ISLAMABAD: Following tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict, petroleum prices in Pakistan witnessed a sharp surge, placing significant financial strain on consumers.
The price of regular petrol crossed Rs400 per litre nationwide, while high-octane petrol reached as high as Rs500 to Rs600 per litre in certain areas.
Currently, regular petrol—being the most widely used fuel—stands at approximately Rs401 per litre across the country. As it is a regulated product, oil marketing companies are bound to sell it at a fixed government-approved price, ensuring uniformity at petrol pumps.
In a move aimed at providing relief, Attock Petroleum has introduced a discount initiative at its company-operated outlets. The company is offering a Rs5 per litre reduction on petrol at around 45 select pumps nationwide. However, this discount applies only to outlets directly managed by the company and not to dealer-operated stations.
The initiative is expected to ease the burden on consumers while also encouraging competitive pricing in the fuel market. These company-operated pumps are primarily located in major cities and along motorways, and are clearly marked for customer awareness.
Meanwhile, high-octane petrol prices remain deregulated, allowing oil companies to set their own rates. This has resulted in price variations across brands. After the government imposed a Rs300 levy, high-octane prices surged to nearly Rs600 per litre, significantly reducing demand.
Subsequently, Saudi Aramco initiated a major price cut of Rs200 per litre, prompting other companies to follow suit. At present, prices differ among companies: Shell’s V-Power is available at Rs410 per litre, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) offers it at Rs420, Attock Petroleum at Rs465, and Saudi Aramco’s Pro Force stands at Rs467 per litre.
The fluctuation in fuel prices continues to impact consumers, with calls for further relief measures growing louder across the country.
