Former finance minister Miftah Ismail has claimed that the government is set to generate around Rs. 180 billion in a single month through taxes, duties, and petroleum levies on petrol and diesel sales following the latest fuel price revision.

His remarks came after the government raised petrol prices by Rs. 6.51 per litre and diesel prices by Rs. 19.39 per litre, pushing both fuels close to the Rs. 400 per litre level.

In his post on X, Miftah Ismail noted that while the petroleum levy on petrol was reduced by Rs. 3.88 per litre, it was increased significantly on diesel by Rs. 28.69 per litre. Despite this adjustment, he argued that consumers continue to bear a heavy tax burden.

He stated that Pakistanis are currently paying approximately Rs. 120 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and around Rs. 60 per litre on diesel. Based on these figures, he estimated that total government revenue from fuel-related charges could reach Rs. 180 billion this month.

Miftah further criticised what he described as inefficient or excessive public spending, suggesting that such revenue streams are being used for high-cost projects and discretionary allocations rather than relief for the public.

The comments come at a time when fuel prices remain close to record levels, adding further pressure on households already grappling with inflation.