A video is circulating on social media showing Pakistan former cricketer Shahid Afridi backing government’s unprecedented increase of 43 per cent and 55% in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), urging the nation to fully support the government amid ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
In a video statement, the former all-rounder said that Pakistan is much better in terms of fuel pricing compared to other countries.
However, Shahid Afridi, in a statement on X, said that some mischief-makers are sharing an old video of his to create the false impression that he is defending the increase in petrol prices.
The former captain clarified that the video was recorded before the recent price hike. It was simply an awareness video about energy conservation and reduced usage, produced at the request of the Ministry of Information.
It should be noted that Pakistan is now the world’s second most fuel-unaffordable country. Petrol and diesel prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, placing immense pressure on consumers.
پہلے میں پیٹرول کی قیمتیں بڑھنے کی وجہ سے کافی پریشان تھا لیکن اب شاہد بھائی کے اتنے اہم بیان کے بعد میرے خیالات میں کافی تبدیلی آئی ہے، شکریہ شاہد بھائی pic.twitter.com/FDQ2KPOFie
— Asad Ullah Khan (@AUKhanOfficial1) April 3, 2026
Petrol prices have climbed to Rs458.40 per liter, reflecting a 42.7% increase, while diesel has jumped by 54.9% to Rs520.35 per liter, one of the steepest hikes seen in recent months.
The surge has been largely attributed to global oil market disruptions triggered by tensions involving Iran, which have driven international prices higher.
In terms of affordability relative to average income, Pakistan now ranks just behind Ethiopia, where low wages make fuel even less accessible. Despite having lower nominal fuel prices, Ethiopia’s income levels place it at the bottom of the global affordability index.
