Govt kept POL prices unchanged

January 31, 2022 (MLN): Despite rising petroleum prices globally, the government on Monday kept petroleum product prices unchanged, rejecting OGRA’s proposal to increase POL prices by up to Rs. 16.79/Litre.

According to a press statement issued by the finance ministry, the Prime Minister desired that petroleum product prices shall remain the same from 1st February 2022 as notified earlier on 15th January 2022 for providing maximum relief to the general public.

The Prime Minister has further desired to keep the prices at the same level through adjustments in Sales Tax if required, it added.

The statement said that the petroleum products are showing a substantial increase in the international market and presently trading at the highest level since 2014. The oil prices have witnessed an increase of 14.5% just in last month in the global market.

It further noted that the existing Sales tax rate and Petroleum Levy on various petroleum products are much below the budgeted targets.

The Government is bearing the revenue loss of around Rs.30 billion (fortnightly) on account of budgeted to existing PL and ST rates and Rs260 billion annually due to reduced ST rate, it added.

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