Petrol Price Raised As Diesel Gets Slight Cut For Oct 2

The federal government has revised petroleum prices for October 2, raising the price of petrol while slightly reducing the rate of high-speed diesel under the country’s daily fuel pricing system. The latest adjustment means petrol will cost Rs390.66 per litre after an increase of Rs3.26, while high-speed diesel has been set at Rs399.34 per litre after a reduction of Rs1.01.

The change was announced through a Petroleum Division notification as consumers continue to face frequent movements in fuel prices. The revision follows the government’s October 1 adjustment, when petrol and diesel prices were both reduced by small margins before the latest daily review changed the direction for petrol again.

The daily pricing mechanism was introduced in July after the government moved away from the earlier weekly review system. Officials adopted the revised approach during a period of sharp volatility in international oil markets, where global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions have continued to affect fuel-importing economies.

For households, transporters and small businesses, the increase in petrol is likely to add fresh pressure to already stretched budgets. Petrol is widely used by motorcycles, small cars and private transport, so even a daily increase can quickly affect commuting costs for lower- and middle-income consumers.

High-speed diesel remains a key fuel for freight, buses, agriculture and parts of the industrial supply chain. Although the latest revision lowers diesel by Rs1.01 per litre, the rate remains high at Rs399.34, keeping logistics and food transportation costs under pressure.

The government has also linked fuel policy with targeted relief measures. In September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a scheme offering Rs100 per litre relief on petrol for motorcycles, three-wheeler rickshaws and cars up to 800cc, with the proposal aimed at protecting lower-income consumers from rising fuel prices.

Under that proposal, millions of two-wheeler and three-wheeler users would receive relief on a fixed monthly fuel limit, while owners of small cars up to 800cc would also be covered. The measure was designed to soften the burden for people most exposed to fuel inflation, although the implementation and impact of such support remain important questions for consumers.

The wider economic backdrop remains difficult because Pakistan imports much of its petroleum requirement. Any rise in crude oil prices, freight costs, regional conflict risk or supply disruption can quickly pass through to domestic consumers, especially when price reviews are carried out more frequently.

Global oil markets have remained sensitive to supply risks, including conflict-related uncertainty, export restrictions and pressure on key shipping routes. For Pakistan, the immediate next step will be watching whether daily notifications bring more short-term fluctuations or whether prices stabilise enough to reduce pressure on consumers and businesses.