Petrol prices in Pakistan are the most expensive in terms of income in South Asia
According to the latest World Economic Report and World Bank data, Pakistan has become the country in South Asia where petrol prices are the highest compared to the purchasing power or per capita income of the common citizen.
According to the report, although petrol prices in dollar terms are close to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the average income of citizens of these countries is much higher than that of Pakistanis, due to which the fuel burden on the Pakistani people is the highest in the region.
Regional comparison (in US dollars):
Pakistan: Per capita income is $1,500, and petrol price is about $1.41 per litre.
India: Per capita income is $2,700, and petrol price is about $1.10 per litre.
Sri Lanka: Per capita income $4,500+, petrol price about $1.40 per litre.
Experts say that the heavy petroleum levy and taxes in Pakistan have broken the backs of the poor and middle class, while citizens in neighboring countries are able to bear these prices better due to higher incomes.