New Petrol Price Announced in Pakistan-Rs321.17 per litre.

ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has decided not to increase the prices of petroleum products, despite a sharp rise in rates across the international market with petrol price remaining stable at Rs321.17 per litre.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this decision honors his commitment to the “common man,” ensuring that the burden of global economic volatility does not fall directly on the citizens.

The Prime Minister stated that the government is dedicated to providing as much relief as possible during these challenging times. He acknowledged that regional tensions have placed the global economy under immense pressure, which poses a serious risk to Pakistan’s own economic stability.

“Through timely policymaking, government austerity measures, and strict financial discipline, we are striving to manage this situation to the best of our human ability,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Just a week ago, on March 6, 2026, the federal government dropped what was widely termed a “petrol bomb” by increasing the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by a staggering Rs55 per litre. This historic surge was driven by a sudden explosion in global oil prices following the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which saw crude oil jump from roughly $78 to over $106 per barrel almost overnight. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor, forced the government to abandon its fortnightly pricing schedule in favor of weekly reviews, pushing the domestic price of petrol to an unprecedented Rs321.17 per litre.

The announcement triggered immediate and widespread outrage across the country, as citizens scrambled to fill their tanks, leading to chaotic scenes and miles-long queues at fuel stations. On social media, the hashtag #PetrolBomb trended as Pakistanis expressed their fury over the soaring cost of living, with many pointing out the irony of the public being asked to “tighten their belts” while the ruling elite continued to enjoy state-funded fuel allowances. Labour federations and economic experts warned that the Rs55 hike would create a catastrophic ripple effect on food and transport costs, leaving the middle and lower classes struggling for survival.

Petrol pump owners announce indefinite strike

KARACHI

The wheels of the country may soon grind to a halt as the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has declared a massive, indefinite nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps starting March 27.

The announcement comes after failed negotiations regarding dealer profit margins, signaling a deepening rift between the government, oil companies, and local retailers.

In a high-stakes press conference held on Friday, PPDA leaders Abdul Sami Khan, Amir Khan Mahsud, and Tariq Hassan laid out a grim reality for the energy sector. The association warned that if their demands for a margin increase are not met immediately, they will pull the plug on fuel supplies as early as the night of March 26.

Amir Khan Mahsud, President of the Petroleum Dealers Association Sindh, was blunt about the situation:

“We cannot continue to operate a business that only yields losses. If our margins aren’t adjusted, the pumps go dark.”

Profits for Some, Peanuts for Others

The leadership accused the government of playing favorites, alleging that recent price hikes were engineered to provide billions in windfall profits to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) while completely ignoring the rising operational costs faced by individual dealers.

Abdul Sami Khan took a harder line, suggesting that the era of quiet diplomacy has passed. “The time for polite conversation with the government is over,” he stated. “We are moving toward active resistance. The constant rise in petroleum levies and prices has pushed both the public and the dealers to a breaking point.”

A Growing Crisis: Dry Pumps and “Capping”

The crisis isn’t just a future threat—it’s already beginning to bite. The association revealed that OMCs have started “capping” fuel deliveries. This artificial restriction on supply has left many dealers unable to procure petrol and diesel, causing several stations across the country to run dry and shut down prematurely.

The Looming Shadow of a Price Hike

Adding fuel to the fire, Mahsud expressed fears that the government might announce another massive price hike of up to Rs. 50 per liter as early as tonight. Such a move, the association warns, would not only crush the consumer but also exacerbate the current supply crisis, making the March 27 shutdown almost inevitable.

“We cannot continue to operate a business that only yields losses. If our margins aren’t adjusted, the pumps go dark.” Amir Khan Mahsud

Petrol pump owners announce indefinite strike

Profits for Some, Peanuts for Others

A Growing Crisis: Dry Pumps and “Capping”

The Looming Shadow of a Price Hike