What happened
According to Dawn, the Pakistani government has increased the retail price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Re0.85 per litre, raising its cost to Rs400.67 per litre. The price of petrol remains unchanged at Rs377.91 per litre. A notification issued by the Petroleum Division indicates that the revised pricing applies for Friday, Oct 30.
Key facts
As reported by Dawn, several policy decisions, tax structures, and market details surround the latest fuel rates:
- Tax Rates: The government maintains taxes and duties of Rs114 per litre on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel.
- Political Relief Demands: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday to demand the abolition of petroleum levies. The two sides agreed to establish a joint committee to review expanding a relief scheme introduced on Sept 17 for motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars under 800cc. Rehman stated his party would march on Islamabad in mid-November if relief is not granted.
- Government Measures: Amid Middle East conflicts and global market volatility, fuel rates are determined on a daily basis by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The government has implemented austerity rules requiring markets to close by 9pm and cutting fuel allocations for government vehicles by 50 per cent for three months.
- Supply Concerns: While senators raised questions regarding fuel availability, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani assured there are no supply disruptions. Additionally, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association urged the public not to indulge in panic buying.
Why it matters
According to Dawn, fuel pricing directly impacts widespread economic sectors and household budgets. Petrol cost adjustments predominantly affect middle and lower-middle-class citizens who rely on two-wheelers, rickshaws, and smaller automobiles. High-speed diesel price changes affect power plants, heavy commercial transport, and large generators. Both fuels represent major revenue generators for the state, with monthly sales ranging between 700,000 and 800,000 tonnes, compared to kerosene demand of 10,000 tonnes.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 29, 2026 · Photo by Joshua Aragon on Unsplash
