According to a report by Dawn, the government has announced a slight reduction in petrol prices alongside an increase in high-speed diesel (HSD) rates. Based on a notification from the Petroleum Division, the adjusted fuel prices apply from Saturday, Oct 10 through Monday, Oct 12.
What happened
The price of petrol was reduced by Re0.66 per litre, bringing the retail cost down to Rs398.30 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of HSD was raised by Re0.52 per litre to Rs396.24 per litre. Dawn reported that the government continues to collect Rs114 per litre in duties and taxes on petrol, while levying Rs100 per litre on HSD.
Key facts
- Price trends: Fuel rates began rising following the start of the US-Iran war on February 28. HSD surged from Rs281 to a peak of Rs520.35 on April 3, while petrol rose from Rs266 in early March to peak at Rs458.41 on April 3.
- Daily price updates: On July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik stated that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) was authorized by the prime minister and cabinet to determine prices daily based on international trends, replacing weekly revisions.
- Sales volume: Petrol and HSD are the primary fuel revenue sources, recording monthly sales of 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to 10,000 tonnes for kerosene.
Why it matters
Changes to petrol costs directly impact two-wheeler drivers, rickshaws, small vehicles, and middle-class households. Adjustments to diesel prices affect the general public more broadly, as HSD fuels heavy freight transport, large power generators, and power plants.
To manage rising global petroleum prices linked to Middle East instability, the government reinstated austerity measures. Commercial markets must shut down by 9pm, and official vehicle fuel allowances have been trimmed by 50 per cent for three months. To assist consumers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously launched a relief initiative on September 13 for owners of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, and vehicles up to 800cc, following targeted fuel subsidies introduced in April.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 09, 2026 · Photo by Dominik Kłos on Unsplash