ISLAMABAD: The prices of all petroleum products are estimated to go down by up to Rs4.50 per litre (over 1pc each) on Thursday for the next fortnight ending Jan 31 in view of variation in the international market.

Based on existing tax rates, informed sources said the ex-depot prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are expected to drop by about Rs4.50 per litre and Rs2.75 per litre, respectively (over 1pc), depending on final calculations.

The ex-depot prices of kerosene and light diesel oil (LDO) are also estimated to reduce by Rs1.8 (1pc) and Rs2 per litre (1.4pc), respectively. The kerosene rate and LDO rates currently stand at Rs177.88 and Rs146.18 per litre, respectively.

The ex-depot petrol price set by the government currently stands at Rs253.17 per litre, but is sold at more than Rs254.40 per litre at retail stations. Petrol is mostly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers, and has a direct bearing on the budgets of middle- and lower-middle-class households.

The ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) stands at Rs257.08 per litre, which may drop to around Rs254 per litre on Jan 15. The retailers are selling the product at a higher price of Rs258 per litre.

Most of the transport sector runs on HSD. Its price is considered inflationary, as it is mostly used in heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural engines such as trucks, buses, tractors, tube wells, and threshers, and particularly adds to the prices of vegetables and other eatables.

Transporters had already increased their fares on the basis of about Rs27 per litre increase between May and August, and have not reversed despite the Rs17 and Rs20 per litre cut since October 1. The government is currently charging about Rs100 per litre on petrol and about Rs97 per litre on diesel.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2026