ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): The government has collected over Rs66 billion through the recent increase in the petroleum levy, the Senate was informed on Thursday, as a lawmaker questioned why fuel prices have not decreased despite a fall in global oil rates.
Responding to a query raised by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government had increased the petroleum levy (PL) by Rs8 per liter on petrol and Rs7 per liter on diesel, effective April 16, 2025.
The senator noted that the prime minister had indicated the additional revenue would be used for upgrading the N-25 Highway and sought details of the amount collected and funds transferred for that purpose.
The minister informed the House that the enhanced levy generated Rs66.13 billion from 16 April to 30 September 2025. However, he clarified that the PL—once collected—is deposited into the Federal Consolidated Fund, and its allocation for public infrastructure projects does not fall under the Petroleum Division’s mandate.
He said questions regarding the utilization of the levy for the N-25 project must be addressed to the relevant ministry responsible for public sector development and budgeting.
Later, responding to a question from Senator Jan Muhammad, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry briefed the Senate on the electricity import arrangement between Pakistan and Iran, particularly for supply to the Makran Division.
He said the electricity import contract, originally signed on November 6, 2002, underwent its 10th amendment on December 27, 2024.
Under the latest revision, Pakistan can draw up to 204MW through four interconnection lines, with a contractual take-or-pay obligation of 30 million kWh per month.
He further informed the House that the Makran–Gwadar region has already been connected to the National Grid, reducing its reliance on imported electricity.
The project, titled “Interconnection of Isolated Makran/Gwadar Area with National Grid System”, was completed in June 2023 at a cost of Rs12.157 million, adding 80MW of capacity.
With this development, the minister said, the National Grid now serves as the fifth source of electricity for the region, in addition to the four interconnections with Iran.