ISLAMABAD – Petrol has become more expensive in Pakistan, with the government increasing its price by Rs1.82 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs396.65 per litre from October 8, 2026.
There is some relief for diesel consumers as the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced by 91 paisa, bringing it down to Rs394.94 per litre. The latest revision means petrol has moved even closer to the Rs400-per-litre mark, while diesel has remained below that level.
The latest increase has pushed petrol to one of its highest levels in recent months, with motorists now paying nearly Rs395 for every litre. The latest move lifted petrol from Rs393.64 to Rs394.83, while diesel dropped from Rs397.76 to Rs395.85. If the expected Rs1.40 increase materialises, petrol would move beyond the Rs396-per-litre level, putting the psychologically important Rs400 mark within striking distance.
For motorists already facing elevated transport and household expenses, another increase would add further pressure.
The latest increase is part of a much broader surge. At beginning of September, petrol was selling at roughly Rs343–349 per litre. The price climbed to around Rs359 by September 7, before accelerating sharply during the middle of the month. By September 15–17, petrol had reached approximately Rs380–391 per litre, while the price touched around Rs393–394 on September 21–22.
Petrol Price Trends in Pakistan
| Date | Petrol price |
|---|---|
| September 1–4 | Rs343–349 |
| September 7 | Around Rs359 |
| September 15–17 | Rs380–391 |
| September 21–22 | Rs393–394 |
| September 29–30 | Rs387–389 |
| October 1 | Rs387.40 |
| October 2 | Rs390.66 |
| October 3 | Rs392.76 |
| October 6 | Rs393.64 |
| October 7 | Rs394.83 |
That means petrol has jumped by approximately Rs35–50 per litre over roughly one month, depending on the starting date.
In just the first seven days of October, the increase has been about Rs7.43 per litre.
Petrol was selling for just Rs266.17 per litre on March 1, 2026. Within days, the market was rocked by a massive increase, taking the price to Rs321.17 on March 7 — a single adjustment of Rs55 per litre. Petrol eventually hit a peak of Rs458.41 per litre on April 3. Although prices have retreated from that record, today’s rate remains far above the level seen before the major 2026 shock.
From Rs266.17 on March 1 to Rs394.83 on October 7, petrol has risen by a staggering Rs128.66 per litre, equivalent to roughly 48%. Compared with the March 7 rate of Rs321.17, the increase stands at Rs73.66 per litre.
The extraordinary surge comes against backdrop of severe turmoil in international energy markets. The conflict involving US and Iran and disruptions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz sent shockwaves through global oil and shipping markets. The waterway is a critical route for international energy supplies, and concerns over disruptions pushed prices and freight costs sharply higher.
Pakistan, heavily dependent on imported petroleum products, was particularly vulnerable to these international movements. The continuing volatility has forced the government to move away from the traditional fortnightly pricing cycle toward a much more frequent system.
Petrol Price rises again to Rs394.83, Diesel gets Rs1.91 Cut for Oct 7
