Pakistan Cuts Petrol and Diesel Prices by Rs22 Per Litre
Pakistan’s federal government on Friday announced a major reduction of Rs22 per litre in the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel, offering immediate relief to consumers at a time when transport and household costs remain under pressure across the country.
Under the revised rates, petrol will now be sold at Rs381.78 per litre, while high-speed diesel has been fixed at Rs380.78 per litre. The decision was conveyed through a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, which linked the move to the government’s stated commitment to pass on relief whenever fiscal and market conditions allow.
The latest cut follows another reduction announced last week, when petrol was lowered by Rs6 per litre and diesel by Rs6.80 per litre. Before Friday’s decision, petrol stood at Rs403.78 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs402.78 per litre, meaning the new adjustment marks one of the more noticeable fuel price cuts in recent weeks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was quoted by the PMO as saying that providing relief to citizens remains among his top priorities. The official statement said the premier had promised the nation that any available space would be used to ease public hardship, adding that the latest reduction reflected that pledge.
The government also referred to its broader relief measures, saying support had continued for users of public transport, goods transport, motorcycles and rickshaws despite difficult economic circumstances. Officials argued that timely policy decisions helped keep fuel supplies available in Pakistan even when regional and international energy markets were facing severe disruption.
Fuel prices carry wide economic significance in Pakistan because petrol is heavily used by private motorists, motorcyclists, rickshaws and small transport operators, while high-speed diesel is central to freight movement, agriculture, public transport and power generation through large generators. Any change in these rates can quickly affect food prices, commuting costs and business expenses.
The reduction comes as international oil prices softened, with global crude benchmarks falling sharply during the week. Market reports linked the decline to expectations surrounding diplomatic efforts over the Iran conflict and a possible extension of a ceasefire arrangement, developments that eased some pressure in energy markets.
For Pakistan, lower fuel rates may provide short-term relief to households returning from Eid travel and to transporters facing high operating costs. However, the wider impact will depend on whether the decrease is passed on through fares and commodity prices, and whether global oil prices remain stable in the coming weeks.
The government is expected to continue reviewing petroleum prices in line with international market trends, exchange-rate movements and fiscal requirements. Consumers and businesses will now be watching whether the latest cut is followed by broader reductions in transport charges and inflation-sensitive goods.