Key points:
- Petrol price rises to Rs 358.77 per litre, up by Rs 12.90.
- A full‑tank refill for an average sedan now costs roughly Rs 150 more.
- Diesel price climbs in tandem, reflecting the same surcharge.
- Economists warn the hike could add pressure to inflation, especially for households and businesses that depend heavily on transport.
The federal government announced the new fuel rates late Tuesday, lifting the retail price of gasoline to Rs 358.77 per litre nationwide. The increase of Rs 12.90 follows the latest adjustment of taxes and levies on petroleum products, a move the authorities say is needed to bridge the widening gap between domestic fuel subsidies and rising international crude prices. For a typical four‑door sedan with a 40‑litre tank, the extra charge translates into an additional expense of about Rs 150 each time the tank is filled, a noticeable bite for daily commuters and ride‑hailing drivers alike.
The diesel market experiences a parallel rise, with the per‑litre cost also climbing by Rs 12.90. This synchronized adjustment means that trucking firms, delivery services, and agricultural operators will see their operating costs swell at the same pace as private motorists. Since fuel accounts for a sizable share of transportation and logistics expenses, the higher rates are expected to be passed on to the price of goods and services, intensifying the inflationary pressure that policymakers have been trying to contain.
Analysts point out that households reliant on public transport or those operating small commercial vehicles are the most vulnerable to the shock. While the government has signalled that it will monitor the situation closely, no immediate relief measures such as targeted subsidies or tax rebates have been announced. Market watchers therefore caution that, unless global oil prices stabilize or domestic fiscal policy eases, further adjustments to fuel tariffs could be on the horizon, keeping both consumers and businesses on edge.