Is Pakistan Facing a Diesel Shortage Amid Rising Petroleum Prices?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As Pakistan grapples with a potential diesel shortage, local media reports suggest that the situation may be exacerbated by upcoming price hikes in petroleum products. With supply issues and rising costs, citizens face increasing economic pressures.
Key Takeaways
- Diesel shortage reported in Islamabad and other regions.
- Upcoming price hikes for petroleum products starting November 16.
- Oil companies have halted diesel supply, causing market instability.
- Petroleum dealers claim an artificial shortage is being created.
- Inflationary pressures continue to affect citizens.
Islamabad, Nov 14 (NationPress) A diesel shortage has been reported in Pakistan as a potential increase in petroleum product prices is set to take place starting November 16, according to local media sources.
Insiders have indicated that several oil companies have paused the diesel supply in Islamabad, leading to shortages in different areas, as highlighted by ARY News. The Petroleum Dealers Association has noted that private oil companies have not delivered diesel for the last three days.
Petroleum dealers assert that oil companies have deliberately manufactured a diesel scarcity in the market, emphasizing that the diesel provided by PSO is insufficient to fulfill the demand across Pakistan.
Beginning November 16, petroleum prices could rise by as much as PKR 9.60 per litre. This initial price adjustment has been guided by the global market trends, according to sources.
Specifically, the cost of diesel is anticipated to increase by PKR 9.60, while petroleum prices may see a decrease of PKR 1.96 per litre. Additionally, kerosene prices are likely to escalate by PKR 8.82 per litre, and light diesel oil may experience a rise of PKR 7.15 per litre.
Previously, on October 31, the federal government of Pakistan had raised petroleum product prices by up to PKR 3.02 per litre for a duration of 15 days, with the adjusted rates taking effect from November 1.
A notification from Pakistan's Ministry of Finance revealed that the price of petrol was raised by PKR 2.43 per litre, increasing from PKR 263.02 to PKR 265.45 per litre. Meanwhile, the high-speed diesel price rose by PKR 3.02, from PKR 275.42 to PKR 278.44 per litre, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Officials indicated that this price hike follows recent surges in international oil prices, which could escalate public concerns, particularly as citizens are already grappling with inflation.
On October 15, the federal government had previously announced a reduction in petroleum product prices by up to PKR 5.66 per litre.
Point of View
The current diesel shortage and impending price hikes pose significant challenges for Pakistan's economy. It is crucial for the government to address supply issues transparently while ensuring that citizens are not burdened further by inflationary pressures. A balanced approach can help restore public confidence.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the diesel shortage in Pakistan?
The diesel shortage in Pakistan is attributed to oil companies halting supplies, leading to inadequate availability in various regions.
When are the new petroleum prices expected to take effect?
The new petroleum prices are likely to take effect starting November 16.
How much will diesel prices increase?
Diesel prices are expected to rise by PKR 9.60 per litre.
What actions have petroleum dealers taken regarding the shortage?
Petroleum dealers have claimed that oil firms have artificially created a shortage in the market.
What historical price changes have occurred recently?
On October 31, the federal government raised petroleum product prices by up to PKR 3.02 per litre.
