POL prices likely to rise by up to Rs9.60 per litre from 16th

ISLAMABAD: The prices of petroleum products are likely to rise by up to Rs9.60 per litre for the next fortnight starting November 16, mainly due to reduced diesel availability in the Gulf region, industry sources said on Wednesday. 

According to the sources, Pakistan, which imports most of its diesel from Kuwait, is facing supply constraints following maintenance work at one of Kuwait’s refineries. The maintenance shutdown, initially planned for early November, has been extended to another 15 days, tightening regional diesel supplies. In addition, production at Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery — one of the region’s largest — has been partially affected, with only two of its three units operating at full capacity. 

The lower output of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) from these facilities has pushed up international prices, directly impacting Pakistan’s import cost. As a result, based on 13 days of price data, the rate of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) is projected to increase by Rs9.60 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs288.04 per litre, up from the current Rs278.44 — a rise of 3.4 percent. However, with two days of global trading data still pending, international oil prices may fluctuate further, meaning the final adjustment in POL prices could vary from the current estimates. In contrast, the petrol prices are likely to see a marginal decrease of Rs1.96 per litre, with the new rate expected to settle at Rs263.49 per litre, compared to the current Rs265.45, reflecting a 0.7 percent drop. 

Kerosene is also projected to surge by Rs8.82 per litre to Rs193.87, from Rs185.05 (an increase of 4.8 percent). 

Light Diesel Oil (LDO) is likely to increase by Rs7.15 per litre to Rs171.13, from Rs163.98 (an increase of 4.4 percent). The final decision on the new prices will be announced by the Ministry of Finance after receiving recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The revised prices will take effect from mid night November 15.