The latest petrol price hike in Pakistan has reached nearly Rs400 per litre, exacerbating an already critical economic situation. The government raised the price of petrol by Rs6.51 to Rs399.86 per litre on April 30, 2026. High-speed diesel also saw a significant increase, rising by Rs19.39 to Rs399.58 per litre.
Key statistics:
- The previous petrol price was Rs366.58 per litre.
- The old price of high-speed diesel was Rs353.42 per litre.
- The government increased fuel prices again by Rs26.77 per litre on April 25, 2026.
- Pakistan’s oil import bill surged from $300 million to $800 million due to the conflict.
- The State Bank of Pakistan raised its key policy rate to 11.5 percent.
Fuel prices directly impact inflation and the cost of living in Pakistan. The country relies heavily on imported energy, making it vulnerable to global fuel price fluctuations. Aslam Ghauri criticized the government’s policies, stating, “The government’s flawed policies have imposed an economic war on the people.” Kaiser Bengali noted the dire situation, saying, “We are in a state of absolute dependency, where even a $1bn tranche can make the difference between survival and collapse.”
The recent increases come amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government seeks financial support to stabilize its economy, which faces significant challenges due to rising transport costs and inflation.
As Pakistan navigates this economic crisis, officials have not provided a clear timeline for potential relief measures or adjustments in fuel pricing. The situation remains fluid as both domestic and international factors continue to influence the country’s economic landscape.