Petrol prices in Pakistan leapt to PKR 384.34 per litre, while high‑speed diesel climbed to PKR 415.83, on Tuesday night as Gulf shipping disruptions pushed global oil rates higher. The hike, the largest in months, follows a steady climb that began in late January when the price touched PKR 370 per litre.
Musadik Malik, the climate‑change minister, said the relief programme would subsidise five litres of petrol per week for motorcyclists and ten litres every ten days for car owners. "The assistance covers only a fraction of the price jump," he told reporters, noting the scheme is the maximum burden the economy can sustain.
Energy Minister Awais Leghari highlighted that 72% of Pakistan’s electricity comes from domestic sources, a mix of hydropower, coal, nuclear, gas, wind and solar. He warned that a shortfall in imported liquefied natural gas would push spot cargo prices to $23.25 per MMBtu, forcing the government to rely on domestic gas and avoid costly load shedding.
The cabinet floated the idea of a "smart lockdown"—a four‑day work week and early market closures—echoing measures used during the 2020 US‑Iran standoff. Atta Tarar dismissed current talks, while Jamaat‑i‑Islami threatened nationwide demonstrations if prices do not fall.
The government’s National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, ordered stations to receive payments within 24 hours. Analysts say the daily pricing mechanism, introduced in July, will force the cabinet to decide whether to extend subsidies or introduce stricter restrictions before the next parliamentary session.