The government has increased petroleum prices once again, raising the cost of petrol by Rs14.92 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15 per litre, according to an official notification issued by the Petroleum Division on Friday. After the latest adjustment, petrol now stands at Rs414.78 per litre while HSD is priced at Rs414.58 per litre. The new prices are effective from May 9.

The latest revision comes amid a pattern of weekly fuel price adjustments in recent months, following global energy market volatility linked to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in oil supply routes. Since late February, fuel prices in Pakistan have seen sharp swings, including major hikes in March, followed by partial reductions and subsequent increases.

Earlier episodes included a Rs55 per litre jump in March, followed by further sharp adjustments in early April, when officials also announced a targeted subsidy mechanism. Subsequent reductions by the prime minister were followed again by fresh increases, reflecting what officials describe as pass-through adjustments tied to international prices and taxation structure.

However, the latest increase has triggered strong criticism on social media, with activists, journalists, and former officials questioning both the scale of taxation and the government’s economic management.

Political activist Ammar Ali Jan described the hike as “another cruel increase in petrol prices,” arguing that the burden is being shifted onto ordinary citizens while large subsidies continue elsewhere. In a widely circulated comment, he said the state provides “at least Rs2,700 billion annually in subsidies to banks, feudals, military corporations, independent power producers, and real estate........

© Naya Daur