The Pricing Of Petroleum Products In Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan the prices of petroleum products are set by the government, to raise revenues, stabilize prices, and achieve redistribution and social objectives. But in addition to these benefits, government31 taxes and subsidies for petroleum pro• ducts result in losses in economic efficiency through the misallocation of resources. How do the benefits compare with these losses? Are revenues raised in a manner that minimizes economic waste? Do the subsidies achieve equity or other social benefits at minimum cost?