Pakistan: Latest Fuel Price Increase Adds Burden on Struggling Citizens

Key Takeaways

Pakistan's petrol price raised by Rs 3.5/litre.
Light speed diesel could increase by Rs 5.
Kerosene oil price may rise by Rs 6/litre.
Public outrage over the price hike.
Government insists economic conditions are improving.

Islamabad, Jan 15 (NationPress) The decision by the Pakistani government to increase petrol prices by at least Rs 3.5 per litre starting Thursday has sparked widespread outrage among the populace, who are already grappling with inflation and financial difficulties.

According to government sources, a proposal for raising fuel and petroleum prices has been made due to fluctuations in the global market. Reports indicate that the price of light speed diesel could rise by at least Rs 5, while the cost of kerosene oil may also see an increase of at least Rs 6 per litre.

This price adjustment proposal was submitted by the Federal Petroleum Ministry via a working paper to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), recommending significant changes.

The proposed price changes will undergo review by OGRA before being forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval. The adjusted rates will be applicable from January 16 to January 31.

This marks the second fuel price increase in January 2025, following a prior hike of Rs 0.56 and Rs 2.96 for fuel and diesel respectively on January 1, remaining in effect until January 15.

The recent increase is anticipated to place additional strain on the public and the transportation sector. Many locals express that the price hikes severely affect their monthly budgets, directly impacting the cost of essential utilities.

“The rise in fuel prices makes it nearly impossible for low-income individuals like myself to save money for my family’s food. We endure hardship, yet the government seems indifferent to our plight,” remarked a rickshaw driver from Rawalpindi.

Despite the backlash over the biweekly fuel price adjustment, the government insists that the nation's economic situation has improved, suggesting that positive changes may be on the horizon for the public.

“We have successfully reduced inflation to single digits and will persist in our efforts to continue this downward trend. Our progress is steady, and the nation is undoubtedly recovering from its economic challenges,” stated Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister of Finance.