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Pakistan’s car sales fell sharply from January levels in February 2026, though they remained well above last year’s numbers. The market continued to benefit from improving economic conditions despite the month-on-month slowdown.
Airlines in Pakistan have increased fares on domestic and international routes after a steep rise in jet fuel prices. The fare hike reflects growing pressure on operating costs across the aviation sector.
The government is exploring budget reallocations and possible IMF flexibility on fuel taxes to manage any fresh oil price surge. The aim is to reduce pressure on consumers and contain inflation risks.
The IMF has questioned how Pakistan will meet future revenue targets if it abolishes the super tax and eases salary taxation. The matter is set to feature prominently in upcoming budget negotiations.
Pakistan's central bank has kept the policy rate unchanged as the oil-price spike threatens to complicate the inflation outlook. The move signals a more cautious stance despite earlier progress on disinflation.
The SBP has kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 10.5 percent, citing elevated uncertainty from regional conflict but manageable macroeconomic conditions. The central bank said inflation risks have increased, though its broader FY26 outlook remains within earlier projections.
Pakistan's rupee continued its upward run against the US dollar, closing stronger for the 115th consecutive session. The currency also gained against most major peers despite ongoing global market stress.
Miftah Ismail has attacked the recent fuel price hike, saying it created oversized gains for oil firms while hurting consumers. His criticism has intensified the debate over rising energy costs and the government's pricing decisions.
CNG stations in Sindh and Balochistan have been closed after gas supply to the sector was suspended for Ramadan. Authorities say the step is meant to protect household supply during Sehr and Iftar, but it adds to wider energy pressure.
Pakistan’s stock market plunged more than 11,000 points as geopolitical tensions and surging oil prices triggered panic selling. The steep fall briefly halted trading and deepened concern over inflation and macroeconomic stability.
Pakistan has sought a larger Saudi oil facility and a 10-year rollover of a $5 billion deposit to ease mounting external pressure. The requests form part of a wider effort to secure liquidity and stabilise the economy amid regional turmoil.
Oil prices spiked above $110 a barrel after the Strait of Hormuz closure deepened fears of a major supply disruption. Gulf production cuts, tanker hesitation and regional conflict are driving sharp volatility in energy markets.
