Pakistan hikes diesel by PKR 19.39, petrol by PKR 6.51 amid Hormuz blockade
Synopsis
Pakistan has raised diesel and petrol prices in a one-week revision directly linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade — a rare instance of a geopolitical chokepoint hitting Pakistani consumers at the pump in real time. With the sowing season underway and CNG stations already shut across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the timing could not be worse for farmers, school children, and daily commuters.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan raised HSD prices by PKR 19.39 per litre (from PKR 380.19 to PKR 399.58) effective 1 May 2025 .
Petrol price increased by PKR 6.51 per litre to PKR 399.86 , up from PKR 393.35.
The hike is directly linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade caused by the Iran-US conflict .
The agriculture sector faces added strain as the sowing season is currently underway and fertiliser costs have risen.
CNG stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain shut, forcing school and public transport operators to suspend or raise fares.
Pakistan's Petroleum Division will review the one-week price revision, but prolonged Hormuz disruption could sustain upward pressure.
The Pakistan government has raised the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 19.39 per litre and petrol by PKR 6.51 per litre for one week, amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the Iran-US conflict, local media reported on Friday, 1 May. The hike is set to ripple across Pakistan's transport and agriculture sectors at a particularly sensitive time.
New Fuel Prices in Pakistan
According to a notification issued by Pakistan's Petroleum Division on Thursday, the price of HSD has been revised upward from PKR 380.19 to PKR 399.58 per litre. Petrol will now be sold at PKR 399.86 per litre, up from the previous rate of PKR 393.35 per litre, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily The Express Tribune.
Impact on Agriculture and Transport
High-speed diesel is the primary fuel used in Pakistan's transport and agriculture sectors. With the sowing season currently underway, the sharp rise in HSD prices is expected to significantly strain the agriculture sector. Fertiliser prices have already risen due to higher transportation costs, compounding the burden on farmers. This comes at a moment when Pakistan's rural economy can least afford additional input cost shocks.
CNG Crisis Compounds the Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The fuel price hike arrives on top of an existing energy crisis in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Earlier in April, CNG stations remained shut across the province, forcing public and school transport operators to switch to costlier petrol. Several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also reportedly experienced unannounced loadshedding of natural gas, further straining domestic and commercial consumers.
The majority of school van and bus operators suspended services due to the unavailability of CNG. Those who switched to petrol have raised fares, placing an additional financial burden on residents. Parents have voiced concern that disrupted school transportation is affecting children's education and daily routines.
Public Transport Operators Warn of Shutdowns
Public transport operators across the province have warned of suspending services entirely if CNG stations do not resume operations. School transporters specifically stated that running vehicles on petrol is financially unsustainable, leaving them with little choice but to halt services. The cascading effect of CNG unavailability and rising petrol prices has created a compounding mobility crisis for ordinary residents.
What's Next
The one-week fuel price revision will be reviewed by Pakistan's Petroleum Division, but analysts warn that as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked amid the Iran-US standoff, sustained upward pressure on fuel prices is likely. Pakistan, which is heavily import-dependent for energy, is particularly exposed to any prolonged disruption in Gulf oil supply routes.
Point of View
While technically a safeguard, offers little comfort to farmers in the middle of sowing season or parents whose children cannot get to school. If the Iran-US standoff prolongs, Pakistan's energy import bill — already under severe stress — could trigger a broader economic cascading effect that short-term price notifications are wholly unequipped to manage.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Pakistan raised fuel prices on 1 May 2025?
Pakistan raised fuel prices on 1 May 2025 due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused by the Iran-US conflict, which has disrupted global oil supply routes. The Petroleum Division issued a one-week revision raising HSD by PKR 19.39 and petrol by PKR 6.51 per litre.
What are the new petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan?
As of 1 May 2025, high-speed diesel (HSD) is priced at PKR 399.58 per litre, up from PKR 380.19, while petrol is now sold at PKR 399.86 per litre, up from PKR 393.35, according to Pakistan's Petroleum Division notification.
How does the fuel hike affect Pakistan's agriculture sector?
High-speed diesel is the primary fuel used in Pakistan's transport and agriculture sectors. With the sowing season currently underway, the price hike is expected to raise farming input costs, including fertiliser prices, which have already risen due to higher transportation costs.
What is the CNG crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
CNG stations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, have remained shut since at least April 2025, forcing school and public transport operators to switch to petrol. This has led to higher fares, suspension of school transport services, and disruption to daily life for residents.
How long will the new Pakistan fuel prices remain in effect?
The revised fuel prices have been announced for one week, after which Pakistan's Petroleum Division is expected to review and issue a fresh notification. However, analysts warn that prices could remain elevated as long as the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues.
