LAHORE, October 10, 2026: Petrol has become Rs145.13 per litre more expensive in Pakistan since the start of 2026, while the price of high-speed diesel has risen by Rs139.16 per litre, adding to pressure on household budgets and transport costs.
At the beginning of the year, petrol was selling at Rs253.17 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs257.08 per litre. By October 10, petrol had reached Rs398.30 per litre, while diesel stood at Rs396.24 per litre.
The latest government-notified rates confirm petrol at Rs398.30 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs396.24 per litre from October 10.
The year-to-date increase means petrol is now Rs145.13 per litre costlier than at the start of 2026, while diesel has risen by Rs139.16 per litre over the same period.
Fuel Prices See Frequent Changes Since July
Pakistan shifted to a more frequent petroleum pricing mechanism linked to international market movements from July 21, 2026.
Between July 21 and October 10, petrol prices were increased 35 times and reduced 22 times, according to available data.
High-speed diesel prices were increased 34 times and cut 23 times over the same period.
The frequent revisions reflect volatility in international oil markets and changing import costs, with consumers facing repeated adjustments in fuel prices.
Petrol, Diesel Hit Much Higher Peaks in April
Fuel prices had climbed even higher earlier in the year.
Petrol reached Rs458.41 per litre on April 3, 2026, while high-speed diesel rose to Rs520.35 per litre on the same date.
Current rates remain below those peaks, but are still significantly higher than prices recorded at the beginning of the year. Dawn also reported the April 3 peaks while covering the latest October price revision.
Petroleum Levy Collections Reach Rs1.342 Trillion
Government revenue from the petroleum levy has also risen sharply.
According to available official figures, petroleum levy collections stood at around Rs1.205 trillion between July 2025 and March 2026.
By April 2026, cumulative collections for the fiscal year had increased to approximately Rs1.342 trillion.
These figures relate to fiscal-year revenue and should not be treated as total petroleum levy collections for calendar year 2026.
For the 2026-27 federal budget, the government has set a petroleum levy collection target of approximately Rs1.676 trillion. The official budget document lists petroleum levy revenue of Rs1.6765 trillion for the fiscal year.
Higher Fuel Prices Add to Cost-of-Living Pressure
Petrol and diesel prices have a direct impact on household expenses because fuel costs feed into transport, freight and distribution charges across the economy.
Higher diesel prices are particularly significant for commercial transport, agriculture and the movement of goods, while increases in petrol directly affect motorists and daily commuters.
With petrol close to Rs400 per litre and diesel at a similar level, fuel prices remain a major cost-of-living concern despite having fallen from the historic highs recorded earlier in 2026.