Pakistanis Paid Over Rs. 1.2 Trillion in Petrol Taxes in Just 9 Months

The government collected more than Rs. 1.2 trillion in petroleum levy during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to details presented before the National Assembly, highlighting the growing reliance on fuel taxes to meet fiscal targets.

Official documents showed the government collected Rs. 1.205 trillion under the petroleum levy during July to March FY26. In March alone, consumers paid around Rs. 137 billion in petroleum levy, compared with Rs. 120 billion in February and Rs. 124 billion in January.

The data showed petroleum levy collections remained consistently high throughout the fiscal year. Consumers paid around Rs. 145 billion in July, Rs. 115 billion in August, Rs. 111 billion in September, and Rs. 145 billion in October. Collections further increased to Rs. 151 billion in November and Rs. 157 billion in December.

The government also collected around Rs. 35 billion under the Climate Support Levy so far, against a full-year target of Rs. 51 billion.

The latest figures come as the government continues increasing fuel related taxes under commitments linked to the International Monetary Fund programme. Recent reports showed petroleum levy collections already crossed Rs. 1.33 trillion during the first 10 months of FY26, close to the annual target of Rs. 1.468 trillion.

The government has recently increased petroleum levy rates on petrol and diesel several times to offset a widening tax revenue shortfall and maintain fiscal targets agreed with the IMF. Petrol levy alone recently crossed Rs. 117 per litre after fresh increases announced earlier this month.

Rising fuel taxes could continue adding pressure on inflation and transportation costs across the country, especially as global oil prices remain volatile due to tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in international energy markets.