Has govt increased petrol price in Pakistan?

Following a reduction in international crude oil prices, a viral notification — allegedly issued by the Finance Division — saying that petrol prices had increased was declared to be "fake", the Ministry of Information and Broadcast (MOIB) said.

The notification stated the costs of petrol, high-speed diesel (HSD), kerosene (SKO) and light diesel oil would increase from April 2.

However, taking to a Twitter handle on Saturday that the ministry uses to fact-check news, the MOIB said: "Fake Press Release is circulating on Social Media. Actual press release is attached."

In the tweet, the ministry shared an image of the "fake" notification, which said: "In the wake of increase of petroleum prices in the international market and with a view of uninterrupted supply to the consumers, Government has decided to modify the prices of petroleum products. The new prices effective from 2nd April 2023."

According to the "false" circular, the petrol price was set to increase by Rs21.23 from Rs272 to Rs293.23, while the price of HSD would increase from Rs293 to Rs311.12.

Moreover, the prices of Kerosene and Light Diesel Oil, according to the "false" notification, would increase by Rs9.71 and Rs15.32.

However, the ministry denied this statement and, instead, shared the actual notification by the Finance Division.

This notification stated: "In the fortnight review of petroleum products, the Government has decided to keep the existing prices of MS(Petrol) and High-speed Diesel unchanged and decrease of Rs10 in the prices of Kerosene Oil and Light Diesel Oil till 15th April 2023. The new prices are effective from 1st April 2023."

According to this notification, the prices of petrol, HSD, kerosene and light diesel oil — effective from April 1 — are Rs272, Rs293, Rs180.29 and Rs174.68 respectively.