Petrol Price Hiked by Rs. 4.61 Per Litre, Diesel Price Cut by Rs. 1.96

Pakistan’s fuel prices have once again seen a mixed revision, with the government increasing the price of petrol while reducing the price of high-speed diesel (HSD). Under the latest revision, petrol has become Rs. 4.61 per litre more expensive, while diesel has been reduced by Rs. 1.96 per litre. The revised rates are applicable from September 22, 2026.

Following the latest adjustment, the price of petrol has increased from Rs. 389.14 to Rs. 393.75 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of high-speed diesel has fallen from Rs. 424.04 to Rs. 422.08 per litre. The revision was made under the petroleum pricing mechanism following changes in international market rates and other pricing factors. The latest move continues the unusual pattern seen in Pakistan’s fuel market, where petrol and diesel prices have recently moved in different directions. While petrol has become more expensive, diesel users have received a small reduction.

Why Have Fuel Prices Changed?

According to the Petroleum Division and reports citing OGRA, the latest adjustment reflects developments in the international oil market, including changes in Platts rates, premiums and other incidental costs. International oil prices have also remained volatile amid geopolitical developments and uncertainty surrounding global oil supplies. 

Pakistan has been reviewing fuel prices more frequently because of these international fluctuations. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had announced in July that fuel prices would move to a daily review mechanism, allowing OGRA to adjust prices more closely according to international market movements. 

What Does the Petrol Increase Mean for Consumers

The petrol increase is likely to be felt most directly by people who rely on motorcycles, cars, rickshaws and other petrol-powered vehicles. For example, filling a 40-litre petrol tank at the new rate would cost around Rs. 15,750, compared with approximately Rs. 15,565.60 at the previous price. That represents an increase of about Rs. 184.40 for a 40-litre fill-up.  Although the per-litre increase may appear relatively small, frequent commuters can notice the difference over the course of a month, particularly if they travel long distances.

Diesel Price Reduction Offers Some Relief

Unlike petrol, high-speed diesel has become slightly cheaper, falling by Rs. 1.96 per litre to Rs. 422.08. Diesel is widely used in trucks, buses, commercial transport, agricultural machinery and generators, meaning changes in diesel prices can have broader implications for transportation and businesses. However, the impact of a small reduction will depend on how fuel costs feed through into transport and operating expenses.

Petrol and Diesel Prices Remain Volatile

The latest revision comes after several fuel-price movements during September. Petrol had previously reached Rs. 458.41 per litre on April 3, while HSD had reached Rs. 520.35 per litre, according to Dawn. Both prices have subsequently moved lower from those peaks, although daily revisions have continued to reflect changes in global markets.  The government has also introduced fuel-conservation and targeted relief measures in recent months as international oil-market volatility put pressure on consumers and the economy.

 (Dawn)