Tag: price hike

  • Basic necessity becomes luxury in Quetta: Flour shortage drives prices up to Rs2,800 per 20kg bag

    Basic necessity becomes luxury in Quetta: Flour shortage drives prices up to Rs2,800 per 20kg bag

    In Balochistan’s capital of Quetta, a shortage of flour has led to skyrocketing prices for 20kg bags of the commodity. According to reports, profiteers are taking advantage of the situation and selling flour bags for between Rs2,640 to Rs2,800 in Quetta and surrounding areas.

    The residents of Quetta are frustrated that they are unable to obtain flour at the government’s fixed rate and are instead forced to pay an excessive price. They are calling on the provincial government to take action against the profiteers and ensure the availability of flour.

    According to ARY News, the President of Flour Mills Association Balochistan, Nasir Agha, has also weighed in on the crisis. He stated that the supply of wheat to the mills has been suspended for the last ten days, and he blamed the incompetence of the Balochistan food department for the current situation.

    With prices for flour continuing to rise, it remains to be seen how the provincial government will respond to the demands of the residents and the Flour Mills Association.

  • Suzuki Swift GLX now costs more than Rs4.7 million after latest hike

    Suzuki Swift GLX now costs more than Rs4.7 million after latest hike

    Pak Suzuki Motor Company has announced its third price hike in less than 30 days, resulting in an increase in the prices of some of its more affordable car models. This move follows the ongoing trend, with Pak Suzuki citing mounting inflation and local currency depreciation as the primary reasons for the price increase.

    With immediate effect, the revised car prices are as follows:

    Variants Old Price (Rs) New Price (Rs) Increase (Rs)
    Alto VX 2,034,000 2,144,000 110,000
    Alto VXR 2,359,000 2,487,000 128,000
    Alto VXR AGS 2,528,000 2,665,000 137,000
    Alto VXL AGS 2,615,000 2,795,000 144,000
    Wagon R VXR 2,877,000 3,062,000 185,000
    Wagon R VXL 3,052,000 3,248,000 196,000
    Wagon R AGS 3,348,000 3,563,000 215,000
    Cultus VXR 3,326,000 3,540,000 214,000
    Cultus VXL 3,654,000 3,889,000 235,000
    Cultus AGS 3,906,000 4,157,000 251,000
    Swift GL M/T 3,807,000 4,052,000 245,000
    Swift GL CVT 4,092,000 4,335,000 263,000
    Swift GLX CVT 4,462,000 4,725,000 263,000
    Bolan VX 1,754,000 1,852,000 92,000

    A production halt was announced by the manufacturer last week as a result of the continued economic downturn and inventory constraint. Further days without manufacturing indicate a greater sales drop. That might result in Pak Suzuki losing a considerable portion of its market share, especially in light of the recent price increase.

  • Latest gas price hike will hit the rich, not the poor: Petroleum Minister

    Latest gas price hike will hit the rich, not the poor: Petroleum Minister

    Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik stated that the latest hike in gas tariff was implemented without imposing a burden on the low-income segment. In a media briefing, he added that the government separated the poor and rich segments to protect low-income individuals from its impact.

    However, Malik admitted that the low-income segment in Pakistan is facing tough times. He also shared that 60 per cent of the Pakistani public will remain unaffected by the gas price hike, and the low-income segment might even see a decrease in their bills.

    Malik agreed with former finance minister Miftah Ismail that Pakistan is experiencing elite capture. He emphasized that Pakistan is different for the high-income and low-income segments, and the gas tariff has mostly increased for the high-income segment.

    During the speech, Malik criticised the developed countries for fancying development and progress, which he believed have put most of the world’s population – nearly 5 billion – at peripheries.

    According to Dawn, the minister said that the development has not been inclusive and countries like Pakistan were paying the price despite having “zero” contribution in carbon emissions and lately, it became the third most affected country from global warming.

    He made these comments after the government raised gas prices in line with the International Monetary Fund’s recommendation. As a result, the weighted average cost of gas has increased by 43 per cent from Rs620 to Rs885 per million British thermal units.

  • Govt increases petrol price by Rs22 to a historic high of Rs272 per litre

    Govt increases petrol price by Rs22 to a historic high of Rs272 per litre

    In an effort to satisfy the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and secure a crucial loan tranche, the federal government has raised the price of petrol to a historic high. This move comes mere hours after the introduction of a tax-laden “mini-budget”.

    Petroleum division confirmed that the price of petrol has increased by Rs22.20 to reach Rs272 per litre, citing the devaluation of the rupee relative to the dollar as the primary reason for the surge.

    The revised petrol prices are effective from 12 am tonight.

    Following an increase of Rs17.20, the cost of high-speed diesel has risen to Rs280 per litre. Similarly, kerosene oil is now priced at Rs202.73 per litre after a hike of Rs12.90, while light diesel oil is available at Rs196.68 per litre after an increase of Rs9.68.

    It is noteworthy that the surge in the prices of petroleum products was a requirement set by the lending organization based in Washington, which could result in a further escalation of the already record-high inflation. This development is compounded by the recent implementation of new fiscal measures via the ‘mini-budget’.

  • ‘Extreme volatile situation of Pakistani rupee’ forces Toyota to announce third price hike of 2023

    ‘Extreme volatile situation of Pakistani rupee’ forces Toyota to announce third price hike of 2023

    Indus Motor Company (IMC), the manufacturer of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, has increased prices for its CKD vehicles lineup by upto Rs890,000.

    The price hike has been attributed to “economic uncertainties and volatility of Pakistani rupee”, according to a notice sent to dealer principals, CEOs, and sales heads by the company.

    Below are the new prices:

    Variant Old Price (Rs) New Price (Rs) Increase (Rs)
    Yaris GLI MT 1.3 4,079,000 4,279,000 200,000
    Yaris GLI CVT 1.3 4,339,000 4,549,000 210,000
    Yaris ATIV MT 1.3 4,309,000 4,519,000 210,000
    Yaris ATIV CVT 1.3 4,529,000 4,749,000 220,000
    Yaris ATIV X MT 1.5 4,649,000 4,869,000 220,000
    Yaris ATIV X CVT 1.5 4,929,000 5,169,000 220,000
    Corolla Altis X MT 1.6 5,269,000 5,529,000 260,000
    Corolla Altis 1.6 X CVT-i 5,749,000 6,059,000 310,000
    Corolla Altis 1.6 X CVT-i SE 6,319,000 6,659,000 340,000
    Corolla Altis Grande X CVT-11.8 Beige 6,609,000 6,939,000 330,000
    Corolla Altis Grande X CVT-i1.8 Black 6,649,000 6,979,000 330,000
    Revo V AT 2.8 12,239,000 12,859,000 620,000
    Revo V AT Rocco 12,899,000 13,559,000 659,100
    Fortuner 2.7 G Petrol 13,419,000 14,109,000 690,000
    Fortuner 2.7 V Petrol 15,359,000 16,159,000 800,000
    Fortuner 2.8 Sigma 4 Diesel 16,189,000 17,029,000 840,000
    Fortuner Legender Diesel 17,069,000 17,959,000 890,000

    The notice explained that the current volatile situation of Pakistani rupee against the US dollar has adversely affected the manufacturing cost of IMC, making it extremely difficult for the company to hold the current indicative retail selling prices.

    Hence, the company has decided to pass on some impact to the market. The notification stated that the prices are subject to change and prices prevailing at the time of delivery shall continue to be applicable on all orders.

    Any change in government levies and taxes (including federal excise duty, sales tax, and CVT, etc), tariffs, fiscal policies, import policies, etc., will be borne by the customers. This is the third time since January 2023 that the company has raised the prices of its CKD vehicles lineup.

    The first price hike was introduced on January 12, followed by another price increase later last month. The auto industry has been significantly impacted in recent months, with companies shutting down production plants due to the unavailability of imported raw materials and restrictions imposed by the government to curb imports.

  • Petrol, diesel prices expected to increase by more than Rs32 per litre from tomorrow

    Petrol, diesel prices expected to increase by more than Rs32 per litre from tomorrow

    The prices of petroleum products are expected to increase by more than Rs32 per litre from February 16th, due to fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate. The current price of petroleum, oil and lubricants is set at Rs236.40 per dollar, which equates to Rs271.82 for the next fortnight. It’s worth noting that free-on-board Platt prices have seen a decline when compared to last fortnight’s pricing.

    Official and industrial sources have indicated that the price of Mogas is expected to increase by 12.8 per cent per litre, or by Rs32.07, resulting in a new price of Rs281.87 from the previous price of Rs249.8 per litre. The price of diesel is also set to rise by 12.5 per cent, or by Rs32.84, to reach Rs295.64 per litre, up from the previous price of Rs262.8 per litre.

    Kerosene oil is predicted to increase by 14.8 per cent, or by Rs28.05, bringing the new price to Rs217.88 per litre. Additionally, light diesel oil (LDO) could go up 5.3 per cent, or by Rs9.90, resulting in a new price of Rs196.90 per litre from Rs187 per litre set in the last review.

    According to The News, based on current government taxes and estimated Pakistan State Oil (PSO) incidentals, the prices mentioned above are projected. However, there is a possibility of the government adjusting the exchange rate to over Rs251, which could result in an increase of Rs15 per litre for both Mogas and diesel products. Moreover, the petroleum levy for diesel, currently standing at Rs40, may increase by Rs10 to reach Rs50 from February 16th.

    The government had set a target of earning Rs850 billion by imposing a petroleum levy on petroleum, oil, and lubricants. However, there is an estimated shortfall of Rs250 billion, and the authorities are hoping to collect a revenue of Rs600 billion.

    It’s worth noting that the government had implemented a significant increase of Rs35 per litre from February 1st, 2023, until February 15th. Presently, the government is charging Rs50 per litre as a petroleum levy, and the general sales tax (GST) has not been imposed yet.

    According to an official, the losses incurred by the refineries and oil marketing companies (OMCs) due to the exchange rate will be eliminated in a phased manner, as the government does not wish to burden consumers with the entire exchange rate at once.

    The federal government’s last review of petroleum product prices took place on January 29, 2021.

    At present, Pakistan is experiencing a shortage of petrol, with the province of Punjab, which has the largest population, bearing the brunt of the crisis. Petroleum dealers have been blamed for the situation.

    Additionally, it has been alleged that hoarders are stockpiling petrol in anticipation of a price hike scheduled for February 15th (today).

  • Petrol pumps to face strict consequences for creating artificial fuel shortage

    Petrol pumps to face strict consequences for creating artificial fuel shortage

    The inflation crisis in the country has been exacerbated by an artificial fuel shortage in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Petrol and diesel supplies have been cut off at several pumps for two days.

    Petrol pump owners were only supplying petrol of Rs250 for motorcycles and Rs500 for a car. Dealers and pump owners are causing the shortage in order to make extra profit when fuel prices are announced to increase. During the day, 60 per cent of pumps have ceased supplying fuel, rising to 80 per cent at night until midnight. The dealers and owners are waiting for the government to announce a fuel price hike until midnight.

    In response to the fuel shortage, Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner, Shoaib Ali, has ordered assistant commissioners to take immediate action against petrol pumps for not supplying fuel. Despite previous fines, notices, and applications for FIRs against Oil Marketing Companies, the government has been unable to control the artificial petrol crisis in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and across the country. There is speculation that the government will raise fuel prices by Rs20 to Rs30 per liter, leading to over 60 per cent of dealers and pump owners halting supply for two days to increase profits. Despite having tanks filled with petrol, they have stopped supply.

    Assistant Commissioner Syed Asad Abbas informed The News that the DC has ordered strict action against petrol pump owners for causing an artificial fuel shortage for two days. The AC has begun taking action, including sealing pumps and filing FIRs against them. Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have reported a lack of fuel at several petrol pumps for two days, with long lines of motorists observed at Pakistan State Oil (PSO) pumps while other pumps were not providing fuel.

    Motorists were seen frantically searching for fuel as it was unavailable at many petrol pumps in areas such as Tipu Road, Murree Road, Jhanda Chichi, Kutcherry Chowk, Adiala Road, Pirwadhai, Mall Road Saddar, Rawal Road, Jhelum Road, and others. The long lines of vehicles at petrol pumps also caused traffic congestion throughout the city.

    Petrol pump managers, speaking to The News on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that fuel supply had been cut off, with some blaming unknown reasons for the shortage. They warned that if the supply did not resume, motorists could experience severe fuel shortages in the future. Taxi drivers, who rely on daily earnings to support their families, were particularly affected by the situation and expressed strong criticism of the government for failing to provide basic services to the public.

  • Kia increases car prices by up to Rs1.3 million ‘due to significant devaluation of Pakistani rupee’

    Kia increases car prices by up to Rs1.3 million ‘due to significant devaluation of Pakistani rupee’

    As the value of the Pakistani rupee (PKR) against the US dollar falls to an all-time low, Kia Lucky Motors Corporation (KLMC) has announced a significant hike in their car prices in Pakistan.

    Details indicate that, depending on the model, the manufacturer has increased the price of the Kia Picanto, Kia Sportage, Kia Stonic, Kia Sorento, and Kia Carnival in Pakistan by up to Rs1.3 million.

    “Due to the significant and unprecedented devaluation of PKR to USD during the last couple of days, it has become inevitable for LMC to increase the current ex-factory prices of all its vehicles,” the company announced in its notification to dealers.

    The new rates will go into effect on January 31, 2023.

    “While the impact of the devaluation of PKR to USD has been immense, LMC, being a customer-centric organization, has decided not to pass the full impact thereof to its valued customers,” it said, adding that only a partial impact is being passed on to the customer and the rest has been absorbed by LMC.

    It is important to note that on January 30, 2023, the interbank market closed with the Pakistan rupee at an all-time record low of Rs269.63 versus the US dollar.

    The price of the Kia Picanto in Pakistan has been increased by a massive Rs100,000 for both variants, bringing the new price of the M/T variant to Rs3,200,000 and the A/T variant to Rs3,400,000, compared to the old prices of Rs3,100,000 and Rs3,400,000, respectively.

    Here are the new prices for all Kia cars:

  • Govt increases petrol, diesel prices by Rs35 per litre

    Govt increases petrol, diesel prices by Rs35 per litre

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that the federal government has decided to hike the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs35 per litre, which will be applicable from 11 am today.

    Dar said that 11 per cent increase was witnessed in the prices of petrol products in the international market.

    The prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil have been increased by Rs18 per litre.

    After the latest round of hikes, petrol is now priced at Rs249.80, diesel at Rs262.80, kerosene oil at Rs189.83 and light diesel at Rs187.

    The minister was of the view that prices of petroleum products were not increased in the past 4 months, adding that prices of diesel and kerosene oil also decreased during the period.

    The minister went on to say that the speculations had also led to an artificial shortage of petroleum products in the market. “On social media, it was reported that [fuel prices] were to be jacked up by Rs47-80 which unfortunately became an incentive for them [hoarders],” he added, “because of this, we have received reports of artificial shortages in the market.”

  • Toyota IMC announces another price hike for Corolla Altis X

    Toyota IMC announces another price hike for Corolla Altis X

    Toyota Indus Motor Company has announced a hefty price hike for the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 CVT variant. The popular sedan from the automaker has witnessed a price increase of Rs370,000 from its earlier price tag of Rs5,269,000.

    The Altis 1.8 CVT now has a new price tag of Rs5,639,000. Earlier, the automaker also increased the price of the Altis 1.6 variants.

    The company has cited the depreciation of the local currency and ongoing economic instability as reasons for the latest price increase.

    An official statement from the automaker reads:

    The volatile situation of Forex, increase in utilities and overheads have also impacted the cost of manufacturing for IMC. Thus, this situation has made it extremely difficult for IMC to hold the current retail selling prices, and therefore, we are compelled to pass on some impact to the market.

    It is worth noting that Toyota IMC has raised car prices by up to 37 per cent since the beginning of 2022 for its cars across the board. This new price hike on top of that comes as a big surprise for Toyota lovers.