Govt expected to announce petrol, diesel price hike

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering implementing an increase in the prices of petroleum products in Pakistan during the upcoming fortnightly review.

It is expected that this time, prices will not only be increased for petrol but also for high-speed diesel and kerosene oil. This increase is anticipated due to the rise in international oil prices.

According to recent estimates and projections from informed sources, the price of petrol in Pakistan is likely to increase by up to Rs3.5 per litre, while the price of diesel is expected to rise by up to Rs6.5 per litre.

However, it should be noted that these are just estimates and projections. The final decision regarding an increase, decrease, or maintenance of the current prices of petroleum products will be made by the government and is expected to be announced today (January 31) after 8 PM, taking effect on Saturday, February 1^st.

In the first fortnightly review of 2025, the federal government increased the ex-depot price of petrol by Rs3.47, bringing the rate to Rs256.13 per litre.

According to a notification from the Finance Division, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) was raised by Rs2.61, setting it at Rs260.95 per litre. These prices have been in effect since January 16, 2025.

Currently, in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Karachi, petrol is being sold slightly above Rs256.

Interestingly, some “company operated” petrol pumps, such as those owned by Attock, are selling petrol at a discounted rate of Rs2 per litre.

Hi-octane petrol at select Attock stations is being sold at Rs261.90 per litre, while regular petrol is being sold for Rs255.10 per litre, meaning that the oil company is offering hi-octane fuel for just Rs6.8 per litre more than regular petrol.

It is expected that diesel consumers, especially in the transport sector, will be affected by this increase, and citizens may see a slight upward adjustment in city-to-city and intra-city fares for public transport.

Moreover, the budget-conscious middle and lower classes are also likely to feel the impact, as the majority of lower- and middle-income individuals use motorcycles or small vehicles for commuting.

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