Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has clarified that no discussions have taken place regarding a petroleum levy in the proposed Budget 2025–26.
Speaking with media the minister stated that while revenue could potentially be increased through a carbon levy, the petroleum levy has not yet been considered. He emphasized the need to prioritize taxation and environmental concerns.
“We need to take steps to enhance revenue collection,” he said, adding that last year the government also highlighted enforcement as a means of boosting revenue.
Muhammad Aurangzeb asserted that the figures presented in the Economic Survey are accurate. He questioned why tariff reforms, which should have been implemented earlier, were delayed.
The minister noted that the current budget includes reductions in various taxes. “In the past, what tax has ever been increased and then reduced? This is a significant change,” he added.
