ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided not to increase the prices of petroleum products keeping in view the public interest.

Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected a proposal of OGRA and the Finance Ministry regarding increase in the petroleum prices in view of the public relief.

The OGRA had recommended to increase the Petrol price 11.53 rupees per liter, High Speed Diesel 8.49 rupees, Kerosene oil 6.29 rupees and Light Diesel 5.72 rupees per liter due to the soaring prices of petroleum products in the international market.

The Prime Minister however rejected the proposed increase and the burden to this effect will be borne by the government.

According to the Prime Minister Office, the government is giving priority to extend relief to the masses instead of shifting the burden of rising international prices.

It is worth mentioning here that the government had last increased the per litre cost of petrol by Rs10.49 and high-speed diesel by Rs12.44 on October 16 for the next fortnight.

Earlier reports had suggested that the government may increase petrol prices by up to Rs6.5 per litre for the next 15 days, while the rates of diesel may go up by Rs8.

The statement from PM House said OGRA had in fact suggested a Rs11.53 increase in the per litre price of petrol, a Rs8.49 increase in the price of high-speed diesel, Rs6.29 increase in the price of kerosene oil, and a Rs5.72 increase in the price of light diesel.

Fluctuations in POL prices in the country depend on adjustments to taxes, fluctuations in oil prices in the international market and the rupee/dollar exchange rate.

For now, the price of petrol, the most commonly used fuel in private transport, remains at Rs137.79 per litre.

Keeping in view the rise in oil prices in the world market and the dollar’s value till October 26, the government was asked to set new rates for petroleum products, sources had earlier said.