ISLAMABAD: The ex-depot price of petrol has been increased by Rs6.88 to Rs391.22 per litre from Rs384.24 per litre. Similarly, the price of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) saw an increase of Rs5.62 to reach Rs421.45 per litre from Rs415.83 per litre, for September 17, 2026.
The price hike arrives amid growing public apprehension over potential fuel shortages triggered by the risk of closed supply routes. Reassuring the public, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz stated that the country maintains sufficient domestic stock to cover demand through September and October. However, the ministry is actively exploring avenues to secure additional cargoes to stabilise supply for November.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) calculated the updated rates using a seven-working-day rolling average of the daily Platts Arab Gulf Means Price. International benchmark prices reflected a sharp upward trend: refined petrol (92 Ron) surged from USD 127.71 to USD 130.04 per barrel on September 17 over the previous day, while HSD increased from USD 119.52 to USD 122.75 per barrel over the same period.
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A Petroleum Division notification confirms that levies and profit margins remain largely steady across both products. The change is recorded in ex-refinery price of both petroleum products.
The import price of petrol increased to Rs280.76 per litre for September 17 over September 16 price of Rs273.88 per litre, whereas, ex-refinery price of HSD increased to Rs314.58 from Rs308.96 per litre.
According to a Petroleum Division notification, government levies and fixed profit margins for petrol and HSD remain unchanged. Both fuels carry a Petroleum Levy of Rs80 per litre, a Climate Support Levy of Rs5 per litre, and profit margins of Rs9.98 per litre for dealers and Rs7.87 per litre for oil marketing companies.
Meanwhile, customs duties stay fixed at Rs21.15 per litre for petrol and Rs15.68 per litre for HSD, while the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) has been adjusted at Rs7.61 on petrol and Rs4.02 per litre on HSD.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026