ISLAMABAD: Motorists will get a Rs1.60 per litre cut in petrol prices, while diesel users will face a Rs1.64 increase on October 23, offering limited relief to car and motorcycle owners but raising concerns over transport and food costs.
The price of petrol (Motor Spirit) has been reduced to Rs377.71 per litre from Rs379.31, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has been increased to Rs391.75 per litre from Rs390.11, according to the revised ex-depot prices issued for Friday by the Petroleum Division.
For ordinary motorists, the petrol price cut will provide modest savings. A consumer purchasing 10 litres of petrol will pay Rs16 less, while a motorcyclist buying five litres will save Rs8 compared with the previous rates.
However, the increase in diesel prices could have a wider impact on household budgets because HSD is extensively used by trucks, buses, goods carriers, tractors and other heavy vehicles. Higher diesel prices can raise freight and public transport operating costs, potentially adding to the prices of food, vegetables and other essential goods.
Farmers may also face higher operating expenses where diesel-powered tractors, tube-wells and other agricultural machinery are used. Transporters and businesses could pass on some of the additional fuel expense to consumers, although the actual impact will depend on operating costs and market conditions.
The latest adjustment leaves diesel Rs14.04 per litre more expensive than petrol, underlining the continuing pressure on sectors that depend heavily on diesel-powered transport and machinery.
The revised rates are ex-depot prices applicable on October 23. Retail prices at individual filling stations may vary where permitted by the applicable pricing arrangements.