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Pakistan’s Fuel Price Surge Triggers Protests, Fare Hikes and Provincial Relief

The key question is how fast targeted relief can soften the blow for commuters, farmers, and freight operators.

Overview

  • Pakistan’s federal government raised petrol by Rs137.24 per litre and diesel by Rs184.49 per litre, with the new prices now in effect nationwide.
  • Opposition parties mounted large street protests across major cities and forced noisy scenes in the National Assembly after a debate on the hikes was refused.
  • The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced a 60% increase in freight fares and asked for cuts to tolls and provincial taxes to keep trucks on the road.
  • Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon assured transporters of support and said a plan would follow consultations with relevant authorities.
  • Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz introduced free city public transport and a diesel subsidy of Rs100 per acre for farmers, as critics blamed heavier taxes and alleged oil company windfalls while Shahid Khaqan Abbasi urged deregulating fuel pricing and a pivot to electric vehicles.