Pakistanis already burdened by inflation are likely to face more economic strain as petroleum prices are set to rise from October 1 for the next fortnight. Officials confirmed that the expected hike will impact petrol, diesel, kerosene oil, and light diesel, increasing transportation and daily living costs nationwide. The adjustment in refinery rates will directly affect ex-depot prices, which represent consumer-level rates, putting additional pressure on already struggling households and businesses.
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According to refinery estimates, petrol’s ex-refinery price is expected to increase by Rs1.97 per liter, climbing from Rs160.93 to Rs162.90, while high-speed diesel may rise by Rs2.48 per liter, from Rs272.65 to Rs275.13. Kerosene oil will see the sharpest jump, with rates projected to surge by Rs4.66 per liter, reaching Rs156.27, marking a 3.1 percent rise. Light diesel oil is also expected to edge upward by Rs1.76, moving from Rs141.63 to Rs143.39.
Furthermore, the ex-depot prices for consumers will reflect these increases directly. Petrol’s retail price is likely to rise from Rs264.61 to Rs266.58, while diesel is expected to reach Rs275.25 per liter after a Rs2.48 hike. Kerosene oil may jump from Rs179.96 to Rs184.61, while light diesel could increase to Rs165.18. These adjustments will tighten financial pressure on citizens already grappling with rising food and utility costs.
Moreover, the hike in diesel prices will trigger a ripple effect across the broader economy since diesel remains the backbone of freight movement and public transport. With transporters forced to bear higher fuel expenses, the added burden will eventually shift to end consumers through rising costs of essential goods such as grains, vegetables, and other daily-use items. Such inflationary pressure will complicate the financial situation for middle- and low-income families.
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Officials have warned that the upcoming increase is inevitable due to global oil price fluctuations and currency market pressures. However, they assured that alternative measures to stabilize prices in the long term are under review. Meanwhile, market analysts stressed that unchecked rises in petroleum costs will continue to drive inflation, increase living costs, and reduce purchasing power, making life even harder for millions of Pakistanis in the coming months.