Pakistan welcomes New Year 2025 with increase in fuel prices

In a move that will affect commuters across the country, the federal government has raised the price of petrol by Rs0.56 per litre, effective from the first fortnight of 2025.

The announcement, made by the Finance Division, comes as part of the routine price adjustment based on fluctuations in the international oil market.

According to a notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the price of petrol has increased from Rs252.10 per litre to Rs252.66 per litre.

At the same time, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) saw a more substantial hike of Rs2.96, moving from Rs255.38 per litre to Rs258.34 per litre.

In the previous pricing revision, which occurred two weeks ago, the government had kept petrol prices unchanged at Rs252.10 per litre.

However, it had reduced the price of high-speed diesel by Rs3.05, bringing it down to Rs255.38 per litre. Additionally, the prices of kerosene and light diesel were also cut by Rs3.32 and Rs2.78, respectively, with kerosene now priced at Rs161.66 per litre and light diesel at Rs148.95 per litre.

These changes will have a notable impact on various sectors.

Petrol, primarily used in private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transportation units, is a key fuel for middle- and lower-middle-class families, especially those relying on it for daily commuting. The increase in petrol prices is expected to put additional strain on their budgets.

Pakistan and the rest of the world rang in the New Year 2025 with new hopes, wishes and ambitions, bidding farewell to a turbulent 12 months marked by the war in Gaza war, economic stresses and the effects of global warming.

People in all major cities of Pakistan prayed that 2025 would usher the country into a new era of prosperity and peace. Security measures were beefed up as a large number of citizens took to streets to celebrate this occasion.

Dialogue Pakistan wishes the nation a happy new year.