Islamabad: The government has increased the price of high speed diesel by 85 paisa to Rs 400.67 per litre for October 30, while keeping petrol unchanged at Rs 377.91 as per a Petroleum Division notification.

The government continues to collect Rs 114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs 100 per litre on diesel.

The revision comes as the government and Jamaat i Islami (JI) have agreed to establish a joint committee to consider expanding the fuel relief scheme for owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc. The scheme has been in operation since September 17.

JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman discussed his party’s demand for the abolition of the petroleum levy with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday. He said the party would march to Islamabad in mid November if the government failed to announce substantial relief.

Fuel supply also came under discussion in the Senate last Friday, when lawmakers raised concerns despite assurances from Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani that there were no supply issues. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) urged consumers to avoid panic buying, warning that excessive purchases could disrupt the market.

Diesel remains below its April 3 peak of Rs 520.35 per litre, while petrol reached a peak of Rs 458.41 on the same date. Prices rose following the outbreak of the US Iran war on February 28.

The government introduced daily fuel price revisions in July, replacing the weekly adjustments adopted in early March. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) was assigned responsibility for determining prices in line with international market trends.

Measures introduced in response to higher fuel prices include a 9 pm closing time for markets and a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for three months.

Petrol is widely used in cars, motorcycles and rickshaws, while diesel is used in heavy transport, power plants and large generators.