Petrol jumps Rs9 and diesel Rs11 during JI protest sit-in
Petrol price in Pakistan has increased again, with petrol reaching Rs334.54 and diesel climbing to Rs395.69 per litre. The latest increase has added to growing pressure on consumers.
The government raised petrol by Rs3.34 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs5.27 per litre. The revised rates are being applied under the country’s new daily fuel pricing system.
Fuel prices climb within days
On August 18, petrol became Rs3.34 per litre more expensive, taking its price to Rs334.54. High-speed diesel also increased by Rs5.27 to Rs395.69 per litre.
On August 17, petrol had already increased by Rs5.77 per litre, reaching Rs331.20 from Rs325.43. The repeated increases have quickly pushed fuel costs higher for motorists.
The latest changes have also sparked criticism from people demanding cheaper fuel. A statement linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in questioned the repeated increases and asked how much further prices would rise.
Daily fuel pricing system introduced
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has started publishing daily petroleum prices on its website. The new system is intended to improve transparency and allow international oil price movements to reach the local market more quickly.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said daily rates are calculated using the average international oil prices recorded over seven days. He said the approach is similar to pricing practices followed in several other countries.
Why fuel prices are rising
Before the latest revision, petrol was selling at Rs331.20 per litre while diesel was priced at Rs390.45 per litre. The new rates have pushed both fuels higher within a short period.
The government introduced more frequent price reviews as international oil markets faced increased uncertainty. Rising tensions in the Middle East have added to concerns about global energy supplies and crude prices.
The government had earlier shifted from fortnightly reviews to weekly adjustments after the Middle East conflict began on February 28. Concerns over the Strait of Hormuz have remained important because it is a major route for global energy shipments.
Tensions later increased after a fragile June truce between Tehran and Washington broke down. Any further disruption to oil supplies could keep international prices under pressure and create more challenges for fuel-importing countries such as Pakistan.
The rapid increase in petrol and diesel prices means consumers are facing higher transport and daily travel costs. Higher fuel prices can also raise expenses for businesses that depend on transportation.
The new daily pricing system means local fuel rates can respond more quickly to changes in international markets. This could make price movements more frequent, especially when global oil prices remain unstable.
For now, the biggest factor to watch is the international oil market. If crude prices remain high, Pakistani consumers could face further pressure at fuel stations.
Also read: Get ready for another petrol, diesel price hike as global oil crosses $90
Also read: Petrol and diesel prices increase in Pakistan again – Check new rates
