Petrol, diesel prices to remain unchanged till 30 April 2025

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday declared that the prices of petrol and diesel will not change until April 30, 2025, despite a recent decrease in global oil prices.

The government opted not to extend these savings to the consumers, instead directing the funds towards infrastructure projects in underdeveloped Balochistan.  

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In a meeting with the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked, “while petroleum prices are decreasing today, we have chosen not to pass this relief on to the public”. The savings will be allocated for the construction of a ‘high-quality’ highway along the hazardous N-25 route connecting Karachi, Khuzdar, Quetta and Chaman”.

The route has been infamous for its dangerous conditions, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities in past.

The decision mirrors action taken in March, when the government opted to raise the petroleum levy rather than share the benefits of international price fluctuations with consumers.

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The projected cost of the highway initiative has risen from Rs250 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year to around Rs300 billion. The prime minister ‘assured’ that the highway would be completed within a two-year timeframe and would adhere to motorway standards.

“Although it will be a highway, its quality will be equivalent to that of a motorway”, Shehbaz declared.

In a bid to lessen the blow, the prime minister noted a recent reduction in electricity by Rs7.5 per unit for all consumer categories, including businesses. He described the reduction as a ‘beneficial’ move for the inflation-weary economy.

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