Pakistan Faces Oil Shock as Diesel Jumps 55% and Petrol 42%

Islamanbad: The burden of inflation in Pakistan is once again going to fall heavily on the common people. The government has announced a huge increase in the prices of petrol and diesel. US-Iran tension in the Middle East and skyrocketing prices of crude oil in the international market forced Pakistan. The new prices have come into effect from 3 April 2026.

Has there been a huge increase in the prices of petrol and diesel?

The government has increased the price of diesel by about 55 percent and petrol by 43 percent. Now diesel has become Rs 520.35 per liter and petrol Rs 458.40 per liter. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik made this announcement in the press conference.

Is this the second increase in a month?

This is the second major increase in the last one month. Even in March, the government had increased the prices of petrol and diesel by about 20 percent citing international prices. Now again such a big shock

Is the global situation the main reason for this increase?

The government says that due to the US-Iran war, crude oil prices have gone out of control in the international market. An import dependent country like Pakistan is left with no option but to increase prices. The Finance Minister and the Petroleum Minister called it an “inevitable decision” in a joint press conference.

Will this increase inflation further?

Experts believe that due to this increase in fuel prices, inflation will increase further. Transport, groceries, vegetables, everything will become expensive. There will be double burden on the common man's pocket.

Has the government taken any steps for relief?

The government has announced some limited relief measures. It has been said that targeted subsidies will be given to two-wheeler drivers and small farmers. However, this relief is very limited and not everyone will get it.

Is it becoming difficult for the government to continue the subsidy?

Officials admitted that huge expenditure has been incurred on subsidies in the last weeks. Now due to lack of resources it is no longer possible to continue the full subsidy. Therefore, it was decided to put some burden on the common consumers.

Could the situation worsen in future?

The oil market remains volatile and if the war in the Middle East prolongs, the pressure on prices may increase further. There is a possibility of increase in inflation and economic pressure in Pakistan. Common people are already troubled by inflation, now this new shock can create more problems for them.