The federal government has significantly increased the levy on high-octane petrol (HOBC), pushing its price to an unprecedented Rs534 per litre, the highest ever recorded in Pakistan.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via video link on Sunday. The move specifically targets luxury fuel consumption, as high-octane petrol is primarily used in expensive, high-end vehicles.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the levy on high-octane fuel has been increased from Rs100 to Rs300 per litre, marking a Rs200 per litre hike. The government justified the decision as a step towards placing a greater financial burden on the country’s wealthiest segment.
Officials stated that this measure is expected to generate Rs9 billion in monthly savings, which the government plans to redirect toward public relief initiatives. The Prime Minister emphasized that while the affluent class will bear additional costs, no increase has been made in the prices of regular petrol or diesel, protecting middle- and lower-income groups.
