Islamabad, April 3 – The Pakistani government has announced a significant increase in fuel prices, with petrol rising by 43% and high-speed diesel (HSD) by 55%, according to local media reports.
The price of petrol has been raised from Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 321.17 to PKR 458.41 per litre, an increase of PKR 137.23, while the price of HSD has been increased from PKR 335.86 to PKR 520.35 per litre, an increase of PKR 184.49, Dawn, the leading daily in Pakistan, reported. The price of kerosene has also been raised, from PKR 457.80 to PKR 457.80.
The government has also adjusted petroleum levy rates to limit the increase in diesel prices and its impact on transportation and freight costs. The levy on petrol has been increased from PKR 105 per litre to PKR 160, while it has been reduced on diesel from PKR 55 to zero, Dawn reported, citing sources.
In his remarks on Thursday night, Pakistani Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that these "difficult but responsible" decisions were made after extensive discussions involving the president, prime minister, military leadership, and provincial chief ministers.
He stated that the decision aimed to restrict subsidies to the most deserving segments while maintaining fiscal discipline and protecting the economic stability achieved over the past two years under international commitments.
The Pakistani government has also announced targeted relief measures, including a subsidy of PKR 100 per litre for two-wheeler users, capped at 20 litres per month for three months. Small farmers will also receive a one-time subsidy of PKR 1,500 per acre during the harvest season. Furthermore, a subsidy of PKR 100 per litre will be provided to diesel-dependent inter-city and goods transport.
Additionally, trains carrying 80-85% of food items will receive direct support of PKR 70,000 per month, large transport vehicles will receive PKR 80,000 per month, and inter-city public service vehicles will be given PKR 100,000 per month.