Pakistanis face up to 54% rise in fuel prices

A petrol station worker fills the tank of a vehicle in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Friday.

Photo: EPA Pakistanis faced record fuel price increases on Friday, as petrol and diesel prices rose by up to 54 per cent driven by the war in the Middle East that has caused global oil prices to surge.

The increase adds pressure to a cash-strapped nation already grappling with high inflation, as economists warned the hike would push up food prices and living costs.

Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Pervez Malik said late on Thursday that the increase was “unavoidable”.

He said the government was forced to raise petrol prices by 137 rupees (49 cents) per litre, following a 20 per cent increase last month.

Diesel prices were increased overnight by 184.49 rupees (67 cents) per litre, a rise of about 54.9 per cent.

People in Lahore ride an overcrowded bus in March.

Pakistan’s government is offering some free public transport amid the rise in fuel costs.

Photo: AFP Malik said the adjustments were “necessary and unavoidable” in line with global market trends, adding that the government plans to subsidise fuel for motorcyclists, although a mechanism has yet to be finalised.

Motorcycles overwhelmingly outnumber cars in Pakistan, accounting for nearly 78 per cent of all vehicles on the road, as they are among the most affordable modes of commuting.

On Friday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said public transport in Islamabad will be free for 30 days from Saturday on the prime minister’s instructions, and his ministry will cover the fuel costs.

Pakistan in recent weeks has used alternate routes to get oil due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid fuel prices rising due to global oil market volatility linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, people in Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan hold placards during a Friday protest against inflation.

Photo: EPA The unprecedented price increase came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said regional instability had affected Pakistan’s fragile economy.

He said the government was pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and encourage dialogue between the parties involved.

Pakistan has offered to host peace talks, although no dates have been announced for any such meetings in Islamabad.

However, for many citizens, the impact of the ongoing tensions and recent fuel price increases was immediate, with households and commuters bracing for higher transport and daily living costs. “It’s not just gas,” said Mohammad Zain Alvi, a commuter

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