Seeks six-month record of procedure of pricing, taxes, auctions and exports of petroleum products
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 21st June, 2018) Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has expressed disappointment over prices and taxes imposed on petroleum products.
According to media reports, the CJP has raised questions over pricing of petroleum products. CJP Nisar expressed dissatisfaction over the procedure to fix prices of petroleum products after Ogra authorities gave a briefing during a hearing in Supreme Court Karachi Registry.
The Ogra officials briefed that gasoline is imported at Rs 62 per liter. Their prices are fixed on monthly basis and after bidding in international markets.
The court completely rejected the report as the chief justice expressed reservations over the imports of petroleum products. The chief justice asked according to which law and procedure, petrol is priced at Rs 62.8 per liter.
The CJP said in his remarks that the authorities increase the prices while sitting at home. People have been made crazy but now they will be held accountable.
The CJP has sought six-month record of procedure of pricing, taxes, auctions and exports of petroleum products.
The Supreme Court had on May 9 sought an explanation from relevant departments over imposition of taxes on petroleum products, observing that taxes are levied whenever relief has to be provided to the public.
During a hearing, CJP Nisar remarked that prices of petroleum products in Pakistan seldom go down when there is a decrease in the international market, as the government keeps imposing taxes.
Following the announcement of budget for fiscal year 2018-19, the government recommended an increase of nearly 200% in petroleum levy. Under the Finance Bill 2018, tax on diesel, petroleum, crude oil and high-octane fuel would be increased from Rs10 per liter to Rs30. The same increase would be imposed on the levy of light speed diesel and gasoline, while levy on local liquefied petroleum gas could go up by 328%.
