The government has given go ahead for increasing the margins of petroleum dealers and OMCs, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

The government seconded the ECC decision to increase margin by Rs1.70 although senior ministers showed reservations, stressing that people will be made bear the burden.

Minister who had reservations are Asad Umar, Shibli Faraz and Azam Swati. They insisted the the cabinet energy committee must reconsider ECC recommendations.

However, Hamad Azhar said, "This is my job, let me do it."

The federal cabinet has increased the OMC margin on petrol by Rs3.68. The federal cabinet approves increase in margins of oil dealers as well as oil marketing companies by Rs1.70 per litre

According to sources, the federal cabinet has approved OMC margin on petrol from Rs2.97 to Rs3.68 paisa and dealer margin from Rs3.91 to Rs4.90.

Last month, the government accepted demands of petroleum dealers for raising the margin on petrol by 99 paisa to Rs4.90 per litre.

The agreement came after the dealers went on strike to mount pressure on the government to increase the margin.