Monday, 23 March, 2026 | 3 Shawwal, 1447
In partnership with
Profit
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 256 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PM RAISES HOBC LEVY ON LUXURY VEHICLES BY RS200 PER LITRE TO RS300
g
g
PREMIER SHEHBAZ-LED MEETING g SAYS MOVE TARGETS DECIDES LEVY ON HIGH-OCTANE WEALTHY CONSUMERS, FUEL FOR LUXURY CARS BE SHIELDING INCREASED FROM RS100 TO LOWER- AND MIDDLERS300 PER LITRE INCOME GROUPS SAYS GOVT TO PASS RS9B MONTHLY SAVINGS TO PUBLIC AS RELIEF AS FUEL PRICES FOR ORDINARY VEHICLES REMAIN UNCHANGED
Govt absorbs Rs69b burden to keep fuel prices stable: Aurangzeb
T
LAHORE
Staff report
LAHORE
Saleem jadoon
HE federal government, on the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has decided to increase the levy on high octane blending component (HOBC) by Rs200 per litre—from Rs100 to Rs300— targeting fuel used by luxury vehicles to shift the financial burden onto the country’s wealthiest segment, state media reported. The decision was taken during a video-link meeting chaired by the prime minister, where it was emphasized that high-octane fuel—primarily consumed by high-end vehicles—should carry a higher levy to ease pressure on the national economy and ensure greater contribution from affluent consumers, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The prime minister observed
that the levy on fuel used in the most expensive vehicles should be enhanced, stating that it would now be Rs300 per litre, the PMO said. This move is expected to generate Rs9 billion in monthly savings, which, as directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will be passed on to the public in the form of relief. The decision is aimed at reducing the overall economic burden while ensuring that the wealthiest segment bears a proportionate cost, without affecting the broader population. Importantly, fuel prices for ordinary vehicles used by lower- and middle-income groups remain unchanged, as the increase applies solely to high-octane fuel consumed by luxury vehicles. The measure will also not result in any increase in public transport fares or air travel costs, ensuring that the general public remains insulated from the impact.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday said the government had absorbed a burden of Rs69 billion to maintain stability in petroleum product prices and provide maximum possible relief to the public amid rising global pressures. Talking to the media, the finance minister warned that ongoing regional tensions and the possibility of conflict could pose risks to energy infrastructure and disrupt supply chains, potentially affecting fuel availability. He, however, expressed optimism that the energy supply situation would improve by April, assuring that the country is unlikely to face any major crisis. He emphasized that the government’s top priority remains minimizing financial pressure on citizens, with effective measures being implemented at multiple levels.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03