Pakistan petrol prices surpass regional countries amid inflation issues

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s petrol prices have climbed higher than several countries in the region, adding further pressure on citizens already struggling with inflation and rising living costs.

Petrol in Pakistan is being sold at around Rs414.78 per litre, while a comparative review of fuel prices across neighbouring countries showed that this surge in fuel prices making it more expensive than in many regional states.

In comparison, petrol prices stand at nearly Rs370 per litre in Sri Lanka, Rs360 in China, Rs302 in India, and Rs288 in Bangladesh.

The report further noted that fuel prices in Afghanistan and Maldives are also lower than those in Pakistan, while heavily subsidised fuel in Iran remains available at significantly cheaper rates.

Economic experts attributed the increase in Pakistan’s fuel prices to fluctuations in global crude oil markets, the weakening value of the Pakistani rupee, and government taxation policies.

Analysts warned that expensive fuel raises transportation costs and pushes up the prices of daily-use items, putting additional strain on household budgets across the country.

Meanwhile, social media users have expressed concern over the widening gap in petrol prices between Pakistan and other regional countries, with many criticising the growing burden on consumers.

Pakistan maintains fuel supply amid rising petrol prices

Meanwhile, Muhammad Aurangzeb said the country’s economic stability was improving, with exports recording a 14 percent annual increase and remittances also showing steady growth.

He added that an increase in large-scale industrial production was a positive sign for the economy.

The finance minister stated that despite tensions in the region, the supply chain of petroleum products had remained uninterrupted.

He further said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was making every effort to provide relief to the public while the government continued to play its role for peace and stability in the region.

Separately, Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government had ensured the uninterrupted supply of petroleum products despite multiple challenges.

He said that subsidies had been provided to several sectors, particularly farmers and motorcycle riders, while billions of rupees in fuel subsidies had already been extended to the public.

The petroleum minister also thanked Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar and United Arab Emirates for their cooperation, adding that although global oil prices continued to rise, the government would provide maximum relief whenever prices decline internationally.

Analysts warned that expensive fuel raises transportation costs and pushes up the prices of daily-use items, putting additional strain on household budgets across the country.

Meanwhile, social media users have expressed concern over the widening gap in petrol prices between Pakistan and other regional countries, with many criticising the growing burden on consumers.