The Pakistani government has announced a steep hike in fuel prices, raising both petrol and diesel by PKR 55 per litre. Petrol now costs PKR 321.17 per litre, while diesel has climbed to PKR 335.86 per litre. This sudden increase has sparked widespread concern among citizens already grappling with inflation.
Officials explained that the adjustment was unavoidable, citing surging global oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil costs higher, leaving Pakistan with little choice but to pass the burden onto consumers.
The announcement immediately led to long queues at petrol pumps across the country, with panic buying reported in several cities. Many commuters and transport operators rushed to fill their tanks, fearing further hikes in the coming weeks. The situation has added pressure on households and businesses, who now face rising costs in daily operations.
In an attempt to ease the crisis, Pakistan is expecting the arrival of a shipment of 733,000 barrels of Russian crude oil. Authorities hope this will stabilize supply and provide some relief, but analysts warn that global volatility may continue to dictate domestic fuel prices. For now, the hike underscores Pakistan’s vulnerability to external shocks and the urgent need for long‑term energy strategies.
