ISLAMABAD: The government has increased petrol price by 88 paisas to Rs393.64 per litre while reducing high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.88 to Rs397.76 for October 6 under the daily petroleum pricing mechanism.
According to the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has increased from Rs392.76 to Rs393.64 per litre, while HSD has been reduced from Rs399.64 to Rs397.76 per litre.
The Petroleum Division attributed the changes to developments in the international market, including movements in Platts rates, premiums and incidentals.
The latest revision keeps both major fuels close to the Rs400-per-litre mark, with the impact varying across consumers and economic sectors because petrol and diesel serve different purposes.
Petrol is predominantly used by motorcycles, cars, rickshaws and other light vehicles, making its price particularly relevant to household transportation and daily commuting expenses.
The fuel is also widely used by taxis, ride-hailing vehicles and small commercial vehicles, meaning even a relatively small increase can add to operating expenses for frequent users.
At the revised rate, a consumer purchasing 20 litres of petrol will pay Rs17.60 more than under the previous price.
For 100 litres, the additional cost from the 88-paisa increase would amount to Rs88.
HSD, meanwhile, is extensively used by trucks, buses, heavy transport vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and commercial and industrial operations.
The Rs1.88-per-litre reduction could provide some relief to freight operators and businesses whose operating costs are heavily dependent on diesel.
A consumer or business purchasing 100 litres of HSD would save Rs188 at the revised price, compared with the previous rate.
Diesel prices also have wider implications for transportation and supply-chain costs because heavy vehicles transport agricultural produce, food, petroleum products, construction materials, industrial goods and consumer products across the country.
The agricultural sector is another major diesel consumer. Tractors, tube-well pumps and other farm machinery depend heavily on HSD, meaning changes in diesel prices can affect cultivation, irrigation, harvesting and the transportation of agricultural output.
At the revised rates, 100 litres of petrol will cost Rs39,364, while the same quantity of diesel will cost Rs39,776.
Under the daily pricing mechanism, changes in international petroleum markets can be reflected more frequently in domestic fuel prices, resulting in regular adjustments for consumers and businesses.
With petrol priced at Rs393.64 per litre and diesel at Rs397.76 per litre for October 6, both major fuels remain at historically high levels, keeping fuel expenses a significant consideration for households, transport operators, farmers and businesses across Pakistan.