Pakistan’s federal government has raised the price of high-speed diesel by PKR 5.71 per litre while reducing petrol prices by 35 paisa per litre for a single day. Following this decision, high-speed diesel now costs PKR 360.06 per litre, and petrol is priced at PKR 315.8 per litre, as per The Express Tribune.
The government has opted for daily fuel price adjustments due to volatile international oil prices, particularly in light of tensions in West Asia. The pricing strategy, based on a seven-day global market average, aligns with international norms. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority will publish daily updates on petroleum product prices to ensure transparency and reflect global price fluctuations to consumers.
Recent revisions in fuel prices led to an increase in public transport fares and freight charges in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This move prompted a nationwide strike threat from petrol pump operators. Following the government’s petrol and diesel price hikes on July 17, transport operators in the region immediately adjusted fares. Public transport fares rose by 15 to 17 per cent, while freight charges for goods transport increased by 20 per cent.
Transport associations have announced that fares will be adjusted in tandem with future fuel price revisions. Notably, pick and drop services for office workers and students will adapt their charges according to petrol and diesel price changes. The minimum stop-to-stop fare for public transport in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been set at PKR 60.
Long-haul transporters have also raised tariffs, with the freight charge for container, trailer, and wheeler transport between Karachi and Peshawar reportedly climbing to PKR 800,000. Inter-city fares in Rawalpindi district saw a 15 per cent increase, while intra-district routes experienced a 17 per cent fare hike. Services operating between Rawalpindi and Islamabad raised fares by 20 per cent, and long-distance transport operators increased fares by 17 per cent.
