ISLAMABAD (Mudassar Ali Rana) - Pakistan collected more than Rs1,430 billion under the petroleum development levy (PDL) during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year (July–May), according to official documents.
The data shows that the government has already exceeded its annual target of Rs1,468 billion for the current period, with estimates suggesting nearly Rs100 billion in additional revenue may still be realised by the end of the month.
Officials noted that during the past three months alone, approximately Rs373 billion was collected from petroleum products, reflecting higher levy rates and strengthened enforcement measures.
Monthly breakdowns indicate fluctuating collections, with Rs157 billion generated in July, Rs103.46 billion in August, Rs112.85 billion in September, Rs143.48 billion in October, Rs148.36 billion in November, Rs162.46 billion in December, Rs108.76 billion in January, Rs120.39 billion in February, and Rs139.48 billion in March.
In April, the levy collection stood at around Rs146 billion, while May contributed approximately Rs87.5 billion. Out of the total, Rs686.52 billion was collected on imported petroleum products, while Rs753.54 billion came from refining operations on crude oil.
Sources said that higher-than-expected revenue was achieved due to increased levy rates in line with the Finance Bill and targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with improved enforcement actions.
Authorities further stated that anti-smuggling operations by Customs Enforcement reduced illegal petroleum trade, contributing to higher documented sales and increased levy collection. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) identified 1,576 illegal fuel stations nationwide, sealing 1,442 of them, which also helped boost revenue inflows.