ISLAMABAD: The government is considering a new mechanism under which petroleum product prices would be revised every day, a proposal that has drawn strong opposition from petrol pump owners over concerns about stock management, financial planning and business stability.
Under the proposed daily fuel pricing system, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority would determine the prices of petrol, high-speed diesel, light diesel oil and kerosene each night, according to media reports. The revised rates would take effect from midnight.
A senior Petroleum Division official said OGRA would assume primary responsibility for calculating daily prices, significantly reducing the government’s direct role in setting retail fuel rates.
The proposal has not yet been formally implemented, and details about its approval process and possible launch date have not been announced.
Petrol Pump Owners Reject Daily Pricing Proposal
The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association expressed serious concern over the proposed system, saying daily price revisions would create further difficulties for fuel retailers.
In a statement, the association said the daily pricing mechanism was unacceptable and argued that more frequent changes would make it difficult for filling stations to manage fuel stocks, cash flows and operating costs.
The association claimed that the existing frequent price revision system had already affected business planning and warned that daily adjustments could deepen uncertainty for petrol pump operators.
Association Vice Chairman Nauman Ali Butt criticised the government for not consulting key stakeholders, particularly filling station owners, before considering the policy.
He said consultation with affected businesses was essential for developing a workable and balanced fuel pricing framework.
Association Seeks Monthly Fuel Price Review
The petrol pump owners’ body urged the government to reconsider the proposal and begin consultations with industry representatives.
It recommended improving the existing mechanism and shifting to at least a monthly fuel price review to provide greater stability for businesses.
The association warned that it could announce further action if its concerns were not addressed.
If approved, the proposed system would replace the current periodic pricing approach with daily adjustments based on the calculations prepared by OGRA.
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