Pakistan Petroleum Price Hike 2026: PPP Slams “Petrol Bomb” Before Ramazan

The latest Pakistan petroleum price hike 2026 has sparked a heated political debate, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leading the charge against the federal government. On Monday, February 16, 2026, the government announced a significant increase in fuel prices, a move that critics have dubbed a “petrol bomb” dropped on an already inflation-stricken public. With the holy month of Ramazan just days away, the timing of this decision has come under intense scrutiny.

PPP Rejects “Unjust” Price Increase

Shazia Marri, the central spokesperson for the PPP, issued a stern statement deploring the hike. She described the decision to raise petrol by Rs5 per litre and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) by Rs7.32 per litre as “unjust” and “highly unfair.” According to Marri, the government should be focusing on providing relief packages rather than increasing the financial burden on the middle and lower-income classes.

The PPP warned that this increase will have a ripple effect across the entire economy. Since diesel is the backbone of the transport and agriculture sectors, a hike of over Rs7 will inevitably lead to higher freight charges. This, in turn, is expected to trigger a fresh surge in the prices of essential food items, such as vegetables and grains, right as families prepare for Ramazan.

Current Fuel Rates in Pakistan

Following the notification, the new prices at the pump are as follows:

• Petrol: Rs258.17 per litre (Increased from Rs253.17)

• High-Speed Diesel (HSD): Rs275.70 per litre (Increased from Rs268.38)

The government has justified the Pakistan petroleum price hike 2026 by citing fluctuations in the international oil market and the need to maintain fiscal stability. However, market analysts point out that the petroleum levy remains high—at approximately Rs84 per litre for petrol—which adds a significant tax burden to the base cost of fuel.

A Contradiction in Policy?

Marri highlighted a glaring contradiction in the federal government’s current strategy. On one hand, authorities are touting a “Ramazan Relief Package” to support vulnerable citizens. On the other hand, the fuel hike effectively cancels out the benefits of such subsidies by driving up the general cost of living.

The PPP has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the hike to protect labourers and the working class from further economic distress. As the new rates are set to remain in place until at least February 28, the public remains on edge, fearing that this is just the beginning of a more expensive spring season.

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Petrol & Diesel Prices Increased for Next Fortnight This news report provides a detailed breakdown of the recent price adjustments and their immediate impact on the Pakistani economy.