Islamabad: The federal government has announced a fresh hike in petroleum prices, raising the cost of both petrol and high speed diesel for the next fortnight. The revised rates came into effect from February 16, 2026, following recommendations by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), according to an official notification issued by the Petroleum Division.
The increase is expected to impact transport fares, food prices, and overall inflation across Pakistan as fuel remains a key driver of daily living costs.
New Petrol and Diesel Prices in Pakistan
| Fuel Type | Previous Price | Increase | New Price |
| Petrol (Motor Spirit) | Rs. 253.17 | + Rs. 5.00 | Rs. 258.17 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | Rs. 268.38 | + Rs. 7.32 | Rs. 275.70 |
According to the official notification, the price of high speed diesel has been raised more sharply compared to petrol, which is significant because diesel directly impacts transportation, agriculture machinery, and goods delivery across Pakistan.
Why the Government Increased Fuel Prices
Officials say the adjustment was made after reviewing international oil market trends and exchange rate fluctuations. Pakistan reviews petroleum prices every fortnight, and the government adjusts rates based on global crude oil movements and import costs.
The Petroleum Division stated that the revised prices were calculated in line with OGRA’s recommendations and prevailing market conditions.
Impact on Public and Transport Sector
The increase is expected to have immediate effects across multiple sectors:
- Transport fares likely to increase
- Vegetables and grocery prices may rise due to higher freight costs
- Agriculture operations using diesel will become expensive
- Ride-hailing and delivery services may revise charges
Diesel is widely used in buses, trucks, tractors and generators, so even a small change usually triggers broader inflation in the local market.
What Happens Next
The government reviews fuel prices after every 15 days. The next revision will depend on:
- International crude oil prices
- Rupee-dollar exchange rate
- Import premiums and taxes
If global oil prices continue rising, further increases cannot be ruled out. However, a drop in international markets could also bring relief in the next review cycle.
Conclusion
The latest increase in petrol and diesel prices effective February 16, 2026 adds further pressure on household budgets across Pakistan. With diesel costs rising more sharply, the impact is likely to be visible in transportation and food prices in the coming days until the next government review determines the future direction of fuel rates.
