By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reportedly collected around Rs1.2 trillion in petroleum levy during the first nine months, equivalent to approximately $4.3 billion, raising concerns over the growing financial burden on consumers already struggling with high living costs.
According to available figures and estimates, critics argue that the government continues to generate substantial revenue from petroleum products while simultaneously seeking comparatively smaller amounts in external financing from international lenders.
They point out that while Pakistan frequently faces difficulties in securing around $1 billion in foreign financing, the government has managed to collect more than $4 billion domestically through the petroleum levy within just nine months.
The petroleum levy has become an increasingly important source of government revenue, but its impact is ultimately reflected in the prices paid by motorists, transporters and consumers. Higher fuel costs can also contribute to increased transportation and commodity prices, placing additional pressure on low- and middle-income households.
Critics have accused the government of relying excessively on indirect taxation and petroleum-related revenues rather than expanding the direct-tax base and reducing unnecessary expenditure.
Public concern has also intensified over frequent revisions in petroleum prices. Critics claim that fuel prices have faced repeated upward adjustments during the past two months, further squeezing household budgets and increasing transportation and business costs.
The figures and broader claims regarding total collections and the frequency of recent price increases should be independently verified against official government data before publication.
