A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court challenging the recent increase in petroleum products prices and seeking the annulment of the government’s notification.
The plea was filed by Azhar Siddique of the Judicial Activism Panel, who argued that the government had raised petrol prices by Rs55 per litre in what he termed an unlawful and anti-public move.
According to the petition, the increase in petroleum prices will lead to a surge in transportation costs, electricity tariffs, agricultural expenses and the prices of essential food items, placing an additional burden on the public. The petitioner further contended that oil marketing companies already hold a 15-day stock of petroleum products, and increasing prices despite the existing reserves is illegal.
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He requested the court to direct the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Energy to submit details of the available 15-day petroleum reserves before the court.
The plea urged the high court to declare the notification regarding the increase in petroleum prices null and void. The price hike comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted global energy supply chains.
The closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure have pushed international crude oil prices to their highest levels in nearly two years, prompting the government to adjust domestic petroleum prices to reflect rising import costs.
The government on Friday sharply increased petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs55 per litre, marking the first in a series of expected adjustments as the ongoing regional conflict disrupts global oil supply chains.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the revised rates with immediate effect following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The new price of petrol was set at Rs321 per litre, while high-speed diesel rose to Rs336 per litre.
The government also revised the petroleum levy structure, increasing the levy on petrol to a record Rs105.4 per litre, while reducing it to Rs55 per litre on diesel in an effort to ease the burden on the transport and agriculture sectors that rely heavily on diesel.
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In addition, the price of kerosene oil was increased by Rs130 per litre to Rs319, while light diesel oil rose by Rs68 to Rs235 per litre, reflecting the surge in international fuel prices.
Officials said global oil markets have experienced sharp volatility amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with crude prices reaching their highest levels in two years. According to Malik, the average Platts price of petrol increased from $78 to around $107 per barrel within six days, while diesel surged from $88 to nearly $150 per barrel during the same period.
The government said the price adjustments were necessary to ensure continued fuel availability in the country amid supply disruptions and rising import costs. Authorities are also monitoring global markets and reviewing petroleum pricing on a weekly basis as the situation evolves.
