Pakistan petrol prices may drop again, says PM adviser

Pakistan petrol prices could fall again in the coming days, as the government signals it will pass on the benefit of lower global crude oil costs to consumers. Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah confirmed on June 25 that a dedicated team is closely watching international fuel markets and that further cuts are possible if the downward trend holds.

What triggered the latest Pakistan petrol prices cut?

The backdrop is a sharp easing in global energy markets after months of turmoil. The US-Iran conflict earlier this year sent shockwaves through global oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, was severely disrupted for over three months, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

During that crisis, Pakistani motorists felt the pain badly. Petrol, which cost around Rs258 per litre before the conflict, shot up to a peak of Rs458 per litre before slowly coming back down. Diesel followed a similar path, hitting a high of over Rs520 per litre.

As US-Iran tensions have eased and a preliminary peace deal emerged, oil prices have retreated. Brent crude dropped to around $77.90 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate fell to $74.82, after the US Treasury authorised Iranian crude sales as part of the ceasefire process.

The Rs74 per litre cut and what comes next

On June 19, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced one of the biggest single fuel price reductions in recent memory. Petrol was cut by Rs74 per litre, bringing it down from Rs373.78 to Rs299.78 per litre. High-speed diesel (HSD) was reduced by Rs67 per litre, falling from Rs378.78 to Rs311.56 per litre. The government also cut kerosene by Rs48.29 per litre.

Now, analysts and media reports suggest another cut of between Rs20 and Rs50 per litre is being considered for the next weekly review. This would bring Pakistan petrol prices even closer to where they stood before the regional crisis began.

For Pakistani consumers, this matters enormously. Fuel costs affect everything from rickshaw fares to the price of groceries, because transport is a key part of the supply chain for almost every product.

Pakistan shifts to weekly price reviews

Normally, OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) reviews and recommends fuel prices every fortnight. But during the height of the US-Iran conflict, the government moved to a weekly review cycle, announced every Friday, so it could respond faster to rapidly changing global markets.

This weekly system is still in place. It means consumers can expect more frequent updates to pump prices, both up and down, depending on what happens with crude oil on global markets.

Rana Sanaullah said the government was committed to passing on any savings to the public in full. He also warned oil companies and market participants not to create artificial shortages or try to manipulate supply. Strict action, he said, would follow any attempt to game the market.

Global crude: still fragile, but falling

While the easing of Middle East tensions has pulled prices down, analysts caution that the market is still nervous. The US-Iran deal is for a 60-day negotiation window, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is still recovering. The IEA notes that full supply chain normalisation will take time, as mines must be cleared from shipping lanes and global inventories are still running low.

Still, the direction is clear for now. As long as the peace process holds and the Strait remains open, global crude is expected to stay under pressure, which is good news for importing countries like Pakistan.

For Pakistani motorists and businesses, especially those in transport and logistics, this is a welcome shift after months of unusually high fuel bills. The auto industry is also watching closely, since fuel costs directly affect vehicle running costs and consumer sentiment. If you want context on how fuel price changes connect to broader trends in Pakistan’s auto sector, see our earlier coverage of Pakistan’s auto industry and the push for import reform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current petrol price in Pakistan?

As of June 20, 2026, petrol costs Rs299.78 per litre and high-speed diesel is priced at Rs311.56 per litre, following the government’s major cut on June 19.

Will Pakistan petrol prices go down again soon?

Yes, another reduction is widely expected. Reports suggest a cut of Rs20 to Rs50 per litre is possible at the next weekly review, provided global crude oil prices remain low.

Why did petrol prices rise so sharply in the first place?

The US-Iran conflict disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. This caused global crude prices to spike, which directly raised Pakistan’s fuel import costs and pushed pump prices to record highs.

How does Pakistan decide petrol prices?

OGRA calculates a recommended price based on international crude rates, exchange rates, freight costs, taxes, and the petroleum levy. The federal government then approves the final price. During the recent crisis, reviews shifted from fortnightly to weekly to allow faster adjustments.

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