ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis are bracing for another petrol price hike as fuel costs are expected to rise by Rs4–5 per litre in the upcoming price review amid continued pressure from global oil markets.
Price of petrol is projected to rise from Rs270.03 to Rs274.77 per litre, driven primarily by rising international crude oil trends. Officials said the increase is being fueled by a sharp upswing in global petroleum markets, where petrol Free on Board (FOB) prices have climbed from $139.03 to $143.01 per barrel.
Although some cost components such as premiums and associated charges have slightly declined, they have failed to neutralize the broader international surge. The expiration of earlier pricing adjustments by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has also added further pressure on domestic pricing.
Petrol Price Update
| POLs | Price |
| Current Petrol Price | 399.86 |
| Expected Increase | +4 to +5 |
| Expected New Price (Low Estimate) | 404-405 |
At present, petrol is being sold at approximately Rs399.86 per litre, while high-speed diesel stands at Rs399.58 per litre, already reflecting previous upward revisions.
Pakistan Petrol Price Update: Fuel Rate Reaches Rs399.86 Per Litre Amid Rising Inflation
In contrast to petrol, high-speed diesel is expected to see only a minor increase of around Rs0.20 per litre. Despite a global rise in diesel prices, officials say the impact will largely be absorbed due to reductions in customs duties and other regulatory adjustments, offering partial relief to consumers dependent on transport and agriculture sectors.
In the last price revision, petrol had already surged to Rs399.58 per litre as of May 1, 2026, while diesel recorded a significant jump of Rs19.39 per litre during the same adjustment period.
A major factor influencing pump prices is the taxation structure embedded in petroleum pricing.
Authorities have introduced a new petroleum levy of Rs28.69 per litre on high-speed diesel, a move expected to significantly impact transport operators, farmers, and supply chains—potentially increasing the cost of goods movement across the country.
At the same time, the government has reduced the petroleum levy on petrol by Rs3.88 per litre, bringing it down from Rs107.38 to Rs103.50 per litre, with the revised structure set to take effect from May 1.
Taxes on PETROL PRICE
- Petroleum Levy (PL): Rs103.50 per litre
- Customs Duty: approximately Rs20–25 per litre
- Climate/Carbon Levy: around Rs2–3 per litre
- Pipeline / IFEM & regulatory charges: variable (Rs0–5 range)
- General Sales Tax (GST): currently not applicable
Consumers are expected to feel the immediate impact of global oil fluctuations most strongly in petrol prices, while diesel remains relatively insulated due to policy adjustments.
