According to the latest information, the federal government has announced petroleum price increases, dealing another blow to consumers already reeling under rising living costs.
After the order the new petroleum prices are as follows, petrol will now cost Rs. 316.15 a litre, up Rs. 5.44 from the existing rate. High-speed diesel (HSD) has faced a deeper cut of Rs. 31.50 per litre to Rs. 354.35 per litre. Both rates were effective upon notification.
The uneven rise in diesel prices is likely to ripple through the wider economy. HSD powers most of Pakistan’s commercial transport fleet, as well as heavy machinery and agricultural equipment. The hike is expected to push up freight and logistics costs, which typically pass through directly to higher prices for food and other essential goods.
Diesel is the backbone of the country’s supply chains and even a moderate rise tends to have an outsized inflationary effect than petrol increases, which mainly impact private commuters and two-wheeler owners, analysts say.
