Amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade due to the Iran-US conflict, the Pakistan government has increased the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 19.39 per litre and petrol by PKR 6.51 per litre for a week. The price of HSD now stands at PKR 399.58, up from PKR 380.19, while petrol is priced at PKR 399.86 per litre, compared to the previous rate of PKR 393.35.
High-speed diesel, crucial for transport and agriculture, has seen a significant price hike during the ongoing sowing season, impacting the agriculture sector. The rise in transportation costs has also led to an increase in fertilizer prices.
Residents in Peshawar and other parts of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced challenges in April due to a severe shortage of natural gas, leading to the closure of CNG stations. This closure forced school van and bus operators to suspend services, as they struggled with the unavailability of CNG and the subsequent shift to petrol, which raised transport fares and added financial strain on residents.
CNG filling stations in Peshawar and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained closed, causing disruptions in gas supply and escalating problems for both domestic and commercial consumers. The situation forced many vehicles to either halt operations or switch to petrol, resulting in increased transport fares. School transporters, particularly affected, expressed their inability to sustain operations on petrol, leading to service disruptions and concerns from parents about the impact on children’s education and daily routines. Public transport operators also faced challenges, warning of service suspensions if CNG stations do not resume operations.
