Pakistan could face a fresh load of increased petrol rates in the upcoming fortnightly review of petroleum prices, Geo News reported on Saturday.

The cost of petrol is likely to rise by approximately Pakistani Rupee (PKR) 10 per litre owing to a surge in international crude oil prices.

According to industry officials, the price of petrol could increase to PKR 289.69 per litre in the upcoming bi-weekly review, up from the current rate of PKR 279.75 per litre. According to the report, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) will decrease by PKR 1.30 per litre to PKR 284.26 from its current rate of PKR 285.86 per litre.

Due to a worldwide cut in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD), there will also be a decrease in its price in Pakistan.

Globally, HSD prices dropped from USD 99 per barrel in the first 15n days of March to USD 98 per barrel in recent weeks. Prices for domestic customers are anticipated to drop by more than one rupee as a result of this lowering.

The fuel prices are evaluated every 15 days based on global rates and the exchange rate of the local currency. On Friday, the rupee saw a slight increase against the US dollar, trading at approximately 277.94 per dollar.

(With inputs from agencies)