The federal government announced a minor reduction in petroleum prices on Saturday, but simultaneously adjusted various charges and margins, apparently denying the public full relief.

Citizens have been deprived of a relief of Rs1.42 on petrol and 50 paise on diesel.

According to documents, freight charges on petrol have been increased by Rs1.42, raising them to Rs5.79 per litre, compared to the previous rate of Rs4.37 set on February 1. The levy on petrol remains at Rs60 per litre while the oil marketing company’s margin is maintained at Rs7.87 and the dealer margin at Rs8.64.

Similar adjustments have been made for diesel. Freight charges have been raised by Rs27, setting the new rate at Rs2.92 per litre while an extra margin has been increased by Rs23, bringing it to Rs30 per litre. The Pakistan State Oil exchange adjustment has seen an increase of Rs1.96 per litre. The diesel levy remains at Rs60 and the dealer margin is also kept at Rs8.64.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol was reduced by only Re1 per litre for the next 15 days, setting the new price at Rs256.13 per litre. The price of high-speed diesel has decreased by Rs4 per litre, bringing it to Rs263.95.

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Moreover, the light diesel oil price has been set at Rs155.81 per litre after a reduction of Rs5.25, while kerosene oil stands at Rs171.65 per litre following a decrease of Rs3.20.

Public circles have expressed dissatisfaction, stating that despite the minor reduction in petroleum prices, the retention of additional charges was “unfair to the public.”