ISLAMABAD: Over the past nine months, the government has collected approximately Rs1.2 trillion in petroleum levy from consumers, as revealed in documents submitted to the National Assembly by the Ministry of Petroleum.
The records indicate that a total of Rs1,205 billion was gathered from petroleum products during this period. Monthly breakdown shows that Rs145 billion was collected in July 2025, followed by Rs115 billion in August.
In September, the levy amounted to Rs111 billion, while collections rose again to Rs145 billion in October. The figures further increased to Rs151 billion in November 2025 and reached Rs157 billion in December.
In the first quarter of 2026, Rs124 billion was collected in January, Rs120 billion in February, and Rs137 billion in March, the data.
In a significant development on Monday, officials from the Petroleum Division attributed the surge in fuel prices primarily to the imposition of a Rs117 per litre petroleum levy. This explanation came as lawmakers raised concerns over the recent steep hikes in fuel rates.
The briefing took place during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and senior Petroleum Division officials.
During the meeting, committee member Saifullah Abro inquired about the petroleum stock status as of February 28 and questioned the rationale behind the Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices shortly after that date.
Officials responded that international fuel prices experienced a sharp rise after March 1, with diesel prices climbing to approximately $285 per barrel and petrol reaching around $150 per barrel.
They also noted that Pakistan currently maintains stock levels sufficient for about 30 days of petrol and 27 days of diesel consumption.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that the government had procured more expensive fuel to ensure adequate stock availability, underscoring the priority of maintaining uninterrupted supplies.
He added that Pakistan does not hold strategic petroleum reserves; instead, stockpiles are maintained by oil companies operating within the country.
