ISLAMABAD: The Shehbaz government has delivered another major blow to inflation-hit consumers by increasing the price of petrol by Rs12.90 per litre, taking the new price to Rs358.77 per litre. The price of diesel has also been raised by Rs3.72 per litre, bringing it to Rs381.77 per litre.
According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new prices will take effect from September 8, 2026. The government’s decision is likely to put further pressure on already inflation-stricken citizens, with the higher fuel prices expected to increase transportation costs as well as the prices of everyday consumer goods.
The nearly Rs13-per-litre increase in petrol prices is being viewed by the public as another economic challenge, as higher fuel costs directly affect transportation, food prices and other essential household expenses.
The government has cited international oil prices and other cost-related factors as the basis for the increase. However, the decision has raised concerns among the public over why ordinary citizens continue to bear the burden of rising prices.
It is pertinent to mention that in the previous review, the government had increased the price of diesel by Rs3.74 per litre, while reducing the price of petrol by Rs3.13 per litre.
The latest increase has once again added to the financial pressure on inflation-hit households, with citizens expressing concern that frequent fluctuations in petroleum prices have a direct impact on their monthly budgets.
