ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs3.67 and Rs2.61 per litre, respectively, with immediate effect for the next fortnight ending Jan 31.

The Ministry of Finance said Ogra had worked out the consumer prices of petroleum products in view of the fluctuations in the international market in the lastfortnight.

The ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) was increased by Rs2.61 per litre (1pc) to Rs260.95 per litre for next fortnight from Rs258.34 per litre over the past fortnight.

Most of the transport sector runs on HSD.

The ex-depot petrol price was set at Rs256.13 per litre for next fortnight, up 1.37pc against Rs252.66 at present.

Petrol is mostly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers and has a direct bearing on the budget of middleand lower-middle class.

At present, the government is charging about Rs76 per litre tax on both petrol and HSD. Although GST is zero on all petroleum products, the government charges Rs60 per litre PDL on both products.

It is is also charging about Rs16 per litre customs duty on petrol and HSD, irrespective of their local production or imports. In addition, about Rs17 per litre distribution and sale margins are going to oil companies and their dealers.-Khaleeg Kiani