Petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan are likely to increase within days. The federal government, after talks with provinces, plans to pass on rising global import costs to consumers.
A high-level meeting led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reviewed the situation. Officials said the price gap now stands at around Rs100 per litre for petrol and over Rs200 for diesel. Final changes will depend on fresh calculations from OGRA and the Petroleum Division.
Global oil prices have surged due to tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan imports most of its fuel, so higher international rates raise costs quickly. The government has already spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies in the past three weeks. It now plans to cap total support at Rs158 billion to control spending.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently rejected big hike proposals to ease the burden on people, especially before Eid. However, subsidies cannot continue forever as the weekly cost is high.
Targeted relief will stay for motorcyclists, three-wheelers, and farmers through provincial schemes. Provinces will also share part of the subsidy burden.
The increase may add pressure on transport and daily goods prices. People hope the government will keep support for the poor while making pricing more sustainable. Experts say long-term solutions like better refineries are needed to reduce import dependence.
