If The Government Makes Efforts, Rs80 Petroleum Levy Could Be Reduced, Says Sharmila Faruqui
Sanaullah Nagra
(Published September 15, 2026 | 11:39 PM)
PPP leader Sharmila Faruqui stated that the government could reduce the Rs80 petroleum levy and provide relief to citizens if it makes concerted efforts. She further emphasized that funds should be garnered from those who benefited from windfall gains, while criticizing government ministers for misleading the public.
According to Faruqui, reducing the levy on petrol and diesel would significantly aid public relief. She attributed the levy to the government’s deficit, classifying it as a non-revenue tax. She suggested that if half of the estimated Rs7 trillion tax leakage within the Federal Board of Revenue were recovered, the levy would become unnecessary. Additionally, she advocated for a decrease in the dealer margin by Rs10.
Faruqui asserted the need for extraordinary measures, questioning the fate of customs duties and the Rs5-per-litre climate support levy. She raised concerns over misappropriation of public funds by distribution companies and outstanding gas and electricity debts.
"The government has found an easy way to extract money from people’s pockets," she declared. "If it genuinely wishes to provide relief, it should abolish the Rs80 petroleum levy." She accused government ministers of misleading the public.
Regarding potential relief measures, Faruqui dismissed the idea of cutting federal ministers’ salaries, arguing that downsizing and rightsizing would be more effective.
Ikhtiar Wali, Prime Minister’s Coordinator, spoke on Samaa News, disclosing that the federal cabinet was considering a smart lockdown and other decisions. He acknowledged Pakistan’s challenging circumstances, referencing the IMF program, the rising dollar rate, and global petroleum price hikes.
Wali mentioned that the government had previously allocated a subsidy of Rs150 billion, yet the current petrol price stood at Rs270 per litre. He emphasized the need to consider all factors, underscoring that a smart lockdown was being discussed to curb petrol and diesel consumption and government expenditure.
