Pakistan business groups seek relief from petroleum levies

Business organizations in Pakistan are calling for government intervention to mitigate the impact of high fuel and energy costs on the economy. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has requested an immediate suspension of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) for export-oriented manufacturing to protect profit margins from international oil-price volatility.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh noted that rising prices for high-speed diesel and furnace oil are increasing inland freight, power generation, and supply-chain costs. The trade body also urged a reduction in industrial electricity and gas tariffs to align with regional competitors like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, while advocating for a faster transition to renewable energy.

Simultaneously, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reduce the petroleum levy by Rs60 per litre. PBF Chief Organizer Ahmed Jawad highlighted that the current levy of Rs106.15 per litre on petrol, combined with rising electricity costs and load-shedding, is placing significant financial pressure on both consumers and business operations.