ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented surge in petroleum prices, with petrol becoming Rs28.71 per litre costlier and high-speed diesel (HSD) increasing by Rs42.89 per litre within just one week, following the federal government’s decision to replace the weekly review system with a daily petroleum pricing mechanism.
With the latest revision effective Saturday, July 25, 2026, petrol is now retailing at Rs335.18 per litre, while high-speed diesel has climbed to Rs383.46 per litre, the highest levels recorded since the introduction of the new daily pricing regime. The latest increase of Rs3.66 per litre on petrol and Rs4.80 per litre on HSD was notified by the Petroleum Division based on recommendations of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
The upward trend began on July 17, when the government increased petrol by Rs14.08 per litre and HSD by Rs17.40 per litre. While petrol witnessed a marginal reduction of Rs0.35 per litre on July 21, diesel continued its upward march with an increase of Rs5.71 per litre.
Subsequent daily revisions further accelerated the increase, with petrol prices rising by Rs4.93 per litre on July 22, Rs6.39 per litre on July 23 and Rs3.66 per litre on July 24. During the same period, HSD prices increased by Rs7.15, Rs7.83 and Rs4.80 per litre, respectively.
Daily Price Movement
| Effective Date | Petrol (Rs/Litre) | HSD (Rs/Litre) |
|---|---|---|
| July 17 | +14.08 | +17.40 |
| July 21 | -0.35 | +5.71 |
| July 22 | +4.93 | +7.15 |
| July 23 | +6.39 | +7.83 |
| July 24 | +3.66 | +4.80 |
| Net Change | +28.71 | +42.89 |
As a result of these revisions, the ex-depot prices now stand at:
- Petrol: Rs335.18 per litre
- High-Speed Diesel (HSD): Rs383.46 per litre
The government introduced the daily pricing mechanism to ensure domestic petroleum prices immediately reflect fluctuations in international crude oil markets amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf. Officials say the move is intended to improve market responsiveness and transparency, although it has also exposed consumers to rapid price volatility.
The cumulative increase of nearly Rs29 per litre on petrol and Rs43 per litre on diesel in just one week is expected to have widespread economic consequences. Petrol is primarily used by private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws and small commercial transport, while diesel fuels heavy transport, buses, trucks, agricultural machinery, power plants and industrial generators. The continued rise in fuel prices is therefore expected to increase transportation costs, freight charges, agricultural expenses and industrial production costs, adding further inflationary pressure on consumers.
The new pricing mechanism has also drawn criticism from petroleum dealers, who argue that daily revisions create uncertainty for retailers and consumers alike. Industry representatives have urged the government to reconsider the policy and engage stakeholders to develop a more predictable pricing framework.
