What happened
The government has increased the price of high-speed diesel by Rs2.29 per litre while keeping the petrol rate unchanged at Rs377.91 per litre, according to Dawn. Following this price adjustment, high-speed diesel will sell at Rs402.96 per litre. A notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority states that these prices are applicable from Saturday, Oct 31, to Monday, Nov 2. Existing government duties and taxes remain at Rs114 per litre for petrol and Rs100 per litre for diesel.
Key facts
- This update marks the second day in a row that petrol rates have remained unchanged.
- Political leaders have raised demands over tax burdens; Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ask for the removal of fuel levies, warning of a protest march to Islamabad in mid-November if major relief is not provided.
- The government and Jamaat-i-Islami agreed to set up a joint committee to evaluate expanding the relief scheme aimed at owners of rickshaws, motorcycles, and vehicles up to 800cc.
- Fuel pricing was previously shifted to daily adjustments managed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority due to global market fluctuations stemming from conflict in the Middle East.
- Active government austerity measures include closing commercial markets by 9pm and reducing official vehicle fuel allocations by 50 per cent for a three-month period.
Why it matters
Fuel pricing impacts different socioeconomic groups across the country, according to Dawn. Petrol is predominantly utilized in private cars, two-wheelers, and rickshaws, directly affecting middle and lower-middle-class households. High-speed diesel is heavily used in industrial power generation, large generators, and heavy transport. Petrol and diesel generate significant revenue, with monthly consumption between 700,000 and 800,000 tonnes, compared to 10,000 tonnes for kerosene. Concerns regarding potential supply disruptions were brought up by senators, although official representatives asserted there are no supply problems.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 30, 2026 · Photo by Ali Mkumbwa on Unsplash
