Another Major Fuel Price Shock! Petrol and Diesel Rates Increased Again, Adding to Public’s Woes

Pakistan (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan’s Shahbaz Sharif government has once again increased fuel prices, dealing another heavy blow to an already inflation-hit population. According to an official notification issued by the Finance Division, the revised prices came into effect from Wednesday. Petrol prices have been raised by PKR 5.36 per liter, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has seen an even sharper hike of PKR 11.37 per liter.

After this latest revision, petrol now costs PKR 272.15 per liter, up from PKR 266.79, while HSD has surged from PKR 272.98 to PKR 284.35 per liter. The hike has triggered fresh concerns among commuters, transport operators, and businesses, who are already struggling with the soaring cost of living.

The government has justified the increase by citing fluctuations in the international crude oil market. Officials claimed that rising global oil prices, partly fueled by the recent Iran-Israel conflict, have directly impacted Pakistan’s import costs. Notably, this is the second fuel price hike in July alone, following a significant increase earlier this month for the first fortnight.

With fuel costs climbing steadily, transportation fares and essential commodity prices are expected to rise further, worsening the financial strain on ordinary citizens. Economists warn that continuous hikes could deepen the economic crisis and push inflation to new highs.