ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday announced a welcome reduction of Rs5 per litre in the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel. Consumers will enjoy the new rates starting Saturday, May 16, as the Petroleum Division issued the official notification.
Relief for middle-class families
The price of petrol now stands at Rs409.78 per litre while high-speed diesel comes down to Rs409.58 per litre. This cut brings immediate relief to millions of Pakistanis who rely on petrol for cars, motorcycles, and rickshaws. Diesel users, including transporters and farmers, will also feel lighter on their pockets after weeks of high fuel costs.
Moreover, the government continues its weekly price review system that began after global oil markets faced disruption due to the now-paused conflict involving Iran. Officials appear to have passed on some benefits of easing international prices to domestic consumers. Many families and small businesses had been struggling under the burden of earlier sharp increases.
Prices remain under watch
Last week, authorities had raised petrol by nearly Rs15 and diesel by a similar amount. Before that, dramatic swings occurred in March and April when global tensions pushed fuel costs higher. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier rejected some recommended hikes and even slashed the petroleum levy to control pump prices.
This latest reduction offers a breather to ordinary citizens, though fuel prices still remain high compared to earlier months. Transport associations and trade bodies welcomed the move but urged the government to keep monitoring global trends and protect consumers from future shocks.
Analysts expect the government to maintain this flexible pricing approach in the coming weeks. For now, drivers and households across Pakistan can look forward to slightly lower monthly fuel expenses as they navigate daily economic challenges.
