Pakistan increases petrol price by Rs13 per liter

An employee prepares to fill petrol in a vehicle at a fuel station in Karachi, Pakistan, on August 1, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 01 February 2024
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Pakistan increases petrol price by Rs13 per liter

  • The price of diesel increased by Rs2.75 per liter, Finance Division says 
  • The revision comes in backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government on Wednesday increased the prices of petrol and diesel by as much as Rs13.55 per liter, it said. 

Pakistan revises petroleum prices every fortnight. The prices of petrol and diesel were increased on the recommendation of the country’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). 

“Government of Pakistan has decided to bring changes in the current prices of petroleum products during the fortnight starting from 1st February 2024,” the Finance Division said in a notification. 

The price of petrol went up by Rs13.55 to Rs272.89 a liter, while that of diesel increased by Rs2.75 to Rs278.96, according to the notification. 

The revised prices have already taken effect. 

The hike comes in the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East amid Israel’s war on Gaza and Houthi attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea. 


JazzCash signs deal with Binance in UAE to explore regulated crypto adoption in Pakistan

Updated 24 min 59 sec ago
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JazzCash signs deal with Binance in UAE to explore regulated crypto adoption in Pakistan

  • MoU focuses on awareness and development of compliant virtual-asset solutions in Pakistan
  • Pakistan introducing licensing regime for crypto firms as it formalizes digital-asset oversight

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani financial-technology platform JazzCash has signed a memorandum of understanding with global cryptocurrency exchange Binance in the United Arab Emirates to explore cooperation on virtual-asset use and education in Pakistan, the company said on Wednesday.

The agreement sets a framework for discussions on awareness campaigns and future digital-asset products that would comply with Pakistan’s emerging crypto regulations. The move signals growing engagement between global blockchain companies and Pakistani fintechs as authorities shift toward formal licensing of the sector.

Pakistan has spent the past year drafting rules to regulate the fast-expanding market for digital coins and tokens, requiring virtual-asset service providers to obtain government approval. Officials say the transition is aimed at curbing money-laundering and terror financing risks, boosting transparency and encouraging responsible innovation.

“JazzCash has always championed technologies that expand financial access while promoting secure and inclusive participation in the digital economy," JazzCash Chief Executive Officer Murtaza Ali said. 

“By entering into this exploratory MoU with Binance, we are advancing our efforts to understand how global digital-asset trends can support Pakistan’s evolving regulatory landscape. We aim to engage responsibly, support regulatory progress, and advance opportunities that build trust, transparency and innovation for our customers.”

The MoU does not establish a commercial partnership, but marks one of the most high-profile engagements between Pakistan’s fintech sector and a global crypto exchange as the country moves toward regulated digital-asset adoption.

Binance welcomed the cooperation, framing it as part of Pakistan’s shift toward regulated digital-asset activity.

"With regulatory frameworks like [Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority] PVARA paving the way, this collaboration represents a significant step toward expanding financial inclusion and empowering more people to access the benefits of blockchain technology in a secure and compliant environment," Binance Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan said.

Earlier this month, Binance executives met Pakistani finance officials to discuss digital-payments reform, blockchain-skills training and the potential for Web3-linked jobs. Pakistan also set up the Pakistan Crypto Council and formed PVARA this year to license and supervise crypto-asset service providers.