The government collected more than Rs. 1.2 trillion in petroleum levy during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, underscoring its growing reliance on fuel taxes to support revenue targets.

Details presented before the National Assembly showed that petroleum levy collections reached Rs. 1.205 trillion during July to March FY26.

In March alone, consumers paid around Rs. 137 billion in petroleum levy, compared with Rs. 120 billion in February and Rs. 124 billion in January.

The data showed collections remained consistently high throughout the fiscal year. Consumers paid about Rs. 145 billion in July, Rs. 115 billion in August, Rs. 111 billion in September, and Rs. 145 billion in October. Collections then rose further to Rs. 151 billion in November and Rs. 157 billion in December.

The government also collected around Rs. 35 billion under the Climate Support Levy so far, against a full-year target of Rs. 51 billion.

The latest figures come as the government continues to raise fuel-related taxes under commitments linked to its IMF programme. Recent data showed petroleum levy collections had already crossed Rs. 1.33 trillion during the first 10 months of FY26, bringing the total close to the annual target of Rs. 1.468 trillion.

The government has increased petroleum levy rates on petrol and diesel several times in recent months to help offset a widening tax revenue gap and stay aligned with fiscal targets.

Petrol levy alone has recently crossed Rs. 117 per litre following fresh increases announced earlier this month.

The continued rise in fuel taxes is expected to add pressure on inflation and transport costs across the country, especially at a time when global oil prices remain volatile due to tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in international energy markets.