The government has sharply increased the price of kerosene oil by Rs 130.08 per liter, taking the new rate to Rs 318.81 per liter with effect from March 7. The decision came just a day after authorities announced a significant increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices, adding further pressure on already strained household budgets.
According to a notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, the price of kerosene was revised upward from Rs 188.73 per liter, which had been in effect since March 1. The sudden increase represents a jump of nearly 70%, making it one of the steepest hikes in recent months.
Petrol & Diesel Hikes
The move follows the government’s earlier decision to raise petrol and diesel prices by Rs 55 per liter. The increases came shortly after Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured the public that petroleum supplies were stable and that the country was not facing an immediate shortage.
Monthly demand for kerosene is estimated at around 10,000 tones, compared to 700,000 to 800,000 tones for petrol and high-speed diesel, which remain the primary drivers of petroleum revenue.
The fuel price adjustments have also sparked concern about the broader cost of living. Fuel prices directly affect transportation costs and often trigger increases in food prices, goods transportation, and electricity generation expenses.
Kerosene is mainly used by households in remote and mountainous areas where access to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders remains limited. In many such communities, it serves as an important source for cooking and heating.
