Fuel prices in Pakistan may look stable this month, but the real cost is hidden in taxes. Even though petrol and diesel prices have not increased, the government collects a lot of money from every litre you buy. This makes life harder for families, especially with high inflation in the country.
Current Fuel Prices
As of November 2025:
- Petrol (Super): Rs. 265.45 per litre
- High-Speed Diesel (HSD): Rs. 278.44 per litre
At first, these prices seem normal. But almost Rs. 95 of every litre is tax. This means a large part of the money you pay is not for the fuel itself, but for government levies.
How Taxes Add Up
Every litre of petrol or diesel includes several taxes:
| Fuel Type | Customs Duty | Petroleum Levy | Climate Support Levy | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | Rs. 15.00 | Rs. 78.02 | Rs. 2.50 | Rs. 95.52 |
| Diesel | Rs. 15.84 | Rs. 77.01 | Rs. 2.50 | Rs. 95.35 |
So, for every litre of petrol, Rs. 95.52 goes directly to the government. Diesel is very similar. These taxes make fuel much more expensive than it looks.
Global Oil Prices
International oil prices have fallen slightly this week:
- Brent Crude: $64.56 per barrel
- US WTI Crude: $60.42 per barrel
The small drop is due to more oil being produced by big oil-exporting countries and slow demand recovery worldwide.
Why Fuel is Still Expensive in Pakistan
Even if global oil is cheaper, Pakistanis still pay high fuel prices because:
- Heavy taxes on petrol and diesel
- Weak Pakistani rupee, making imported oil costly
- Transportation and refining costs included in the price
- Government debt and energy subsidy payments
These factors keep fuel prices high, affecting transport, food, and daily expenses.
Government’s Explanation
The government says these taxes are necessary. They are used to:
- Support the national budget
- Fund roads and infrastructure projectsHelp with environment and renewable energy through the Rs. 2.50 “Climate Support Levy”
Officials also said any changes to fuel taxes will be carefully considered, depending on global oil prices and Pakistan’s financial situation.
Conclusion
Even though petrol and diesel prices seem stable, the hidden taxes make them expensive. Almost Rs. 95 per litre goes to taxes, increasing the real cost for consumers.
Until taxes are reduced or global oil prices fall a lot, public relief is unlikely, and petrol and diesel will remain among Pakistan’s most expensive necessities.
