The prices of petroleum products will remain unchanged effective from November 1, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced Monday in a press conference.

The decision of keeping the petroleum prices unchanged came as the government is set to hold a meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF has tasked the government to increase the petroleum levy in line with the commitments made by Pakistan to the money lender for securing the much-needed $1.17 billion loan.

The finance minister addressed a news conference in Islamabad on Monday night and said the petroleum prices will remain the same till November 15.

He also announced extending the date for filing the income tax returns for one month.

Ishaq Dar said the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will clear LCs worth 100,000 dollars from tomorrow.