Pakistan, May 19 -- ISLAMABAD - Starting July 1, 2025, Pakistani citizens may face the highest petroleum levy in the country's history, as the government prepares to impose an additional burden of Rs194 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. This increase is part of the government's target to collect Rs1,311 billion in petroleum levy during the 2025-26 financial year.

According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this figure marks a sharp rise compared to the Rs1,117 billion estimated for the current fiscal year ending June 30. The hike reflects growing reliance on indirect taxation to meet revenue targets, a move that could weigh heavily on consumers already dealing with inflation.

Currently, the government is charging ...