Historical context: This article reports statements and economic speculation circulating on January 31, 2023. It should not be read as information about current fuel prices.

OGRA responded to fuel-price speculation

Pakistan's Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) rejected reports circulating at the time that suggested petrol and diesel prices were about to rise sharply. An OGRA spokesperson described the speculation as misleading and urged the public and media to avoid unverified claims.

The response followed widespread discussion about whether changes in the exchange rate and Pakistan's economic negotiations would lead to substantially higher petroleum prices.

Claims circulating at the time

Journalist Kamran Khan was reported as suggesting that petrol could approach Rs 300 per litre following the rupee's depreciation and economic adjustments. That was a forecast attributed to him, not an announced OGRA price.

Former finance minister Shaukat Tarin and other political figures also made public claims about possible increases in fuel, electricity and other prices. Those comments represented their respective assessments and political statements at the time rather than confirmed future prices.

Then PTI chairman Imran Khan also publicly criticized the government's economic management and made predictions about inflation, fuel prices and foreign-exchange reserves. Those remarks were political claims and should be understood in the context of Pakistan's political and economic debate in early 2023.

What the report established

The central development reported on January 31, 2023 was OGRA's rejection of the specific speculative reports then circulating. Actual petroleum prices are determined through the applicable government pricing process and can change over time.