Pakistan’s federal government has announced a major reduction in the price of high-speed diesel, cutting it by Rs32.63 per litre as authorities move to provide relief to consumers amid elevated global fuel prices.
The new price of diesel has fallen from Rs395.69 to Rs363.06 per litre, while petrol has increased by Rs2.97 to Rs337.51 per litre. The revised rates took effect from August 20 following calculations by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
The reduction followed direct negotiations with local oil refineries after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to secure immediate relief for consumers.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who appeared alongside Malik at a press conference, said the government was focused on reducing the impact of rising international oil prices and protecting the public from additional economic pressure.
Malik said refineries agreed to reduce diesel prices following several meetings held on the prime minister’s instructions.
The cut is particularly significant for Pakistan’s transport and agriculture sectors, where diesel is widely used by trucks, buses, tractors and other machinery.
The government says the move is aimed at easing costs for consumers and businesses while global energy markets remain under pressure.
For millions of Pakistanis, the key question now is whether the diesel reduction will translate into lower transportation and food costs in the coming days.
