ISLAMABAD – Islamabad authorities have taken sweeping action against petrol pumps that dared to close before mid-night. The operation hit major areas including G-6, Tarlai, I-8, and G-13, resulting in 8 pumps being sealed and 4 individuals arrested for violating the rules.
حکومت کی جانب سے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی قیمتوں میں اضافے کے بعد 12 بجے سے قبل پیٹرول کی سیل بند کرنے والے پیٹرول پمپس کے خلاف ضلعی انتظامیہ اسلام آباد کی کاروائیاں، جی سکس، ترلئی، آئی ایٹ اور جی 13 سمیت متعدد علاقوں میں 8 پمپس کو سیل جبکہ 4 افراد کو گرفتار کر لیا گیا۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/rNvaacKYnr
— DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 2, 2026
Officials warned that early closure of fuel stations will not be tolerated, stressing the importance of uninterrupted fuel supply to the public.
The clampdown comes after Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced a dramatic increase in fuel prices on Thursday, raising petrol to Rs458.4 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) to Rs520.35 per litre, alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Energy Ministry confirmed petrol jumped by Rs137.24 per litre, diesel by Rs184.49, and kerosene by Rs34.08, now priced at Rs457.80 per litre, effective Friday.
The price surge in wake of ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has sent global fuel markets into turmoil since February 28. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously rejected multiple proposals for higher prices—including suggestions to hike petrol by Rs95 per litre and diesel by Rs203 per litre, despite international spikes. Since the conflict began, Pakistan has already raised fuel prices by Rs55 per litre on March 6 and imposed austerity measures on March 9 to manage the fallout.
The government has announced relief measures targeting the most vulnerable. Two-wheelers will receive a Rs100 per litre subsidy, capped at 20 litres per month for three months. Small farmers will get a one-time Rs1,500 per acre subsidy.
For Diesel-powered inter-city and goods transport, a Rs100 per litre subsidy will apply, reviewed monthly. Trucks carrying essential food items will receive Rs70,000, larger transport vehicles Rs80,000, and inter-city public transport vehicles Rs100,000 per month. Subsidies will also support low-income train travelers. Market timings will be adjusted next week after consultations with provincial authorities, though rollout dates remain unclear.
Malik thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, provincial chief ministers, and coalition partners for guidance. He cited soaring international crude oil prices from Dubai and Oman, Pakistan’s main sources, now over $250 per barrel, due to the Middle East conflict.
Calling the price adjustments “difficult but necessary,” Malik said the government had already spent Rs129 billion since March 1 to shield citizens. Measures include securing alternative energy routes amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions, alongside diplomatic and austerity initiatives.
New Petrol Price in Pakistan set at Rs458 after big increase amid global oil crisis
