The government has agreed to provide fuel cost relief to the agriculture sector, public transport and certain categories of vehicles, but has refused to end the petroleum levy, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) said on Tuesday after its latest round of talks with government representatives.
Acting JI Emir Liaquat Baloch said negotiations on removing the levy had reached their final stage. He spoke at a press conference after the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
What Happened in the Talks
According to Baloch, the government acknowledged that JI’s demands were valid after the party’s nationwide protest campaign and its six-point proposals.
He said the government would complete its work on oil refinery profits and a gradual end to the petroleum levy on Monday, and a working paper would be prepared on Tuesday. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman will announce the party’s next step after reviewing the final draft agreement.
The government’s side was less definite. The Foreign Office said both sides held candid discussions on relief for low-income citizens hit by rising energy costs and agreed to keep talking over the coming days. It did not confirm any agreement to remove the levy.
Government negotiators told JI that fuel prices depend on international oil rates, which are rising, and that they had already given every possible relief.
What This Means for You
Nothing changes at the pump yet. Petrol and diesel prices stay the same until a final deal is signed and notified.
If the reported relief goes ahead, farmers, transporters and some vehicle owners would be the first to benefit. A full or gradual end to the levy would be a bigger change, but the government is relying on it heavily and aims to collect Rs. 1.6 trillion from the petroleum levy in FY27.
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