A new analysis based on official government data has revealed that Pakistani consumers are paying nearly Rs145 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol prices.
According to a report by Dubai-based consultancy Mountain Ventures, which reviewed figures from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy, petrol buyers are currently paying around Rs144.26 per litre in taxes, duties and levies.
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Under fuel prices effective from May 9, 2026, the maximum depot price of petrol stands at Rs414.78 per litre. Of this amount, taxes and levies account for 34.8 percent of the final price.
The largest component is the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), through which the government collects Rs117.41 per litre on petrol.
Additional charges include customs duty of Rs24.35 per litre and a climate support levy of Rs2.50.
The report states that the actual base cost of petrol is Rs246.76 per litre, representing 59.5 percent of the retail price.
Marketing and distribution expenses add another Rs23.76 per litre, including inland freight equalisation margin, oil marketing company margins and dealer commissions.
For high-speed diesel, the maximum depot price is Rs414.58 per litre. The base fuel cost for diesel is significantly higher at Rs314.16 per litre, accounting for 75.8 percent of the total price.
Taxes on diesel stand at Rs76.16 per litre, considerably lower than petrol. This includes Rs42.60 in Petroleum Development Levy, Rs31.06 in customs duty and Rs2.50 as climate support levy. Distribution and marketing charges on diesel total Rs24.27 per litre.
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The analysis highlights a sharp tax difference between petrol and diesel, showing that petrol consumers are paying nearly double the tax burden compared to diesel users.
According to the findings, petrol buyers are paying approximately Rs68 more in taxes per litre than diesel consumers, largely due to the higher Petroleum Development Levy imposed on petrol.
The report is likely to add to public debate over rising fuel costs and government taxation policies amid broader economic pressures.