The federal government has increased petrol and diesel prices, effective March 1, in a move that will directly affect commuters and the transport sector across Pakistan.
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According to a notification from the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has been raised by Rs8 per litre to Rs266.17, up from Rs258.17. Diesel prices have increased by Rs5.16 to Rs280.86 per litre, compared with the previous rate of Rs275.7.
Petrol is widely used in small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers, meaning the hike will have a direct impact on middle- and lower-middle-class households who rely on it for daily commuting.
Meanwhile, high-speed diesel, a major fuel for heavy goods transport vehicles, trucks, buses, trains, and agricultural machinery such as tractors and tube wells, is considered inflationary. The price surge in diesel is likely to increase transportation and agricultural costs, contributing to higher prices for vegetables and other essential food items.
Analysts warn that the fuel price adjustment will place additional pressure on household budgets and may drive broader inflationary effects in the coming weeks.
