ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The federal government has announced a fresh increase in the prices of petroleum products, raising the rates of both petrol and high-speed diesel under its latest fortnightly fuel price review. The revised prices came into effect from midnight and will remain applicable until the next official review, adding to the financial burden on households, businesses and the transport sector.
According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs4.93 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs320.73 per litre. High-speed diesel has become Rs7.15 per litre more expensive, with the new price fixed at Rs367.21 per litre.
Officials said the revised prices were determined on the recommendations of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), which reviews international oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, freight charges and other market factors before submitting proposals to the federal government.
The latest increase comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating crude oil prices. Pakistan, which relies heavily on imported petroleum products, continues to adjust domestic fuel prices in line with international market trends and currency movements.
The increase in diesel prices is expected to have a wider economic impact because high-speed diesel is widely used in the agriculture, transport and industrial sectors. Higher diesel costs generally increase transportation expenses for goods, leading to higher prices of food items and other essential commodities across the country.
Public transport operators are also expected to review their fares following the increase. Passenger buses, freight carriers and logistics companies have previously adjusted charges after fuel price hikes, passing additional operating costs on to consumers.
Petrol, mainly used by private vehicles, motorcycles and small commercial transport, has also become more expensive, affecting millions of motorists who already face rising living expenses. Commuters are likely to experience higher travel costs as transport operators evaluate the financial impact of the revised fuel rates.
Economic analysts believe repeated fuel price adjustments contribute directly to inflation by increasing production and distribution costs across multiple sectors. Rising fuel expenses often affect agriculture, manufacturing and retail businesses, eventually leading to higher consumer prices.
The government conducts a fuel price review every two weeks based on OGRA’s recommendations. The mechanism considers changes in international crude oil prices, refinery costs, inland freight, petroleum levy, taxes and the rupee-dollar exchange rate before determining final retail prices.
Officials maintained that the revised prices reflect prevailing market conditions and are part of the government’s pricing policy aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies while managing financial obligations in the energy sector.
Industry experts said future fuel prices will largely depend on developments in the international oil market and exchange rate stability. Any significant rise in global crude prices or depreciation of the Pakistani rupee could lead to further adjustments during the next review.
Consumer groups have expressed concern over the continued increase in fuel costs, arguing that higher petroleum prices place additional pressure on household budgets already affected by inflation. Business organisations also warned that expensive fuel raises operational costs, making it more difficult for industries and transporters to absorb additional financial burdens.
With the latest notification now in force, petrol will be sold at Rs320.73 per litre, while high-speed diesel will cost Rs367.21 per litre until the government announces its next fortnightly revision.
