The federal government has announced a major hike in petroleum product prices, increasing petrol by Rs. 137.23 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 184.49 per litre amid rising global oil prices.
With this revision, petrol is now priced at Rs. 458.41 per litre, while diesel has reached Rs. 520.35 per litre, marking one of the highest levels in Pakistan’s history.
Latest Fuel Prices in Pakistan
| Fuel Type | Previous Price (Rs.) | Increase (Rs.) | New Price (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 321.18 | 137.23 | 458.41 |
| Diesel | 335.86 | 184.49 | 520.35 |
How the Prices Changed
Petrol Calculation
New price: Rs. 458.41
Increase: Rs. 137.23
Previous price = Rs. 321.18 per litre
Diesel Calculation
New price: Rs. 520.35
Increase: Rs. 184.49
Previous price = Rs. 335.86 per litre
Why Fuel Prices Increased
The sharp rise comes after a global oil crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East. Disruptions in key oil supply routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed international prices higher.
Officials said global diesel prices have crossed $250 per barrel, creating strong pressure on fuel-importing countries like Pakistan.
Government’s Position
The government said it tried to reduce the burden through austerity measures, but due to limited financial capacity, the increase became unavoidable.
Instead of giving subsidies to everyone, authorities have shifted toward targeted relief.
Relief Measures Announced
| Category | Support Details |
|---|---|
| Motorcyclists | Rs. 100/litre (up to 20 litres monthly) |
| Public Transport | Rs. 100/litre diesel subsidy |
| Goods Transport | Rs. 70,000 monthly support |
| Pakistan Railways | Subsidy to manage fares |
Previous Price Trend
| Date / Review | Change in Prices |
|---|---|
| March 6 | +Rs. 55 per litre increase |
| Next 3 Reviews | No change |
| Latest Review | Major increase announced |
In the last 6 fuel price reviews, prices have increased in 4 instances, showing continued volatility.
What This Means for the Public
The increase is expected to:
- Raise transport fares
- Increase prices of daily goods
- Put additional pressure on inflation
What to Expect Next
The government is monitoring the situation closely and has formed a committee to ensure continuous fuel supply. Additional measures, including changes in market timings, are also under review to reduce fuel consumption.
