Public outcry as fuel prices rise again within two weeks

The federal government is facing intense public backlash after announcing another increase in petrol prices, the second hike within two weeks, further straining the already burdened population.

The new price of petrol has been raised by Rs 5.36 per litre, bringing the total to Rs 272.15 per litre.

The announcement triggered a wave of outrage on social media, with citizens voicing concern over the growing cost of living and the government's failure to provide economic relief.

Critics argued that the repeated fuel hikes, without any visible improvement in the economy, reflect a lack of concern for public welfare.

Many pointed out that such decisions will inevitably drive inflation higher, making basic necessities unaffordable for ordinary people.

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Alongside the fuel price surge, the price of sugar has also spiked sharply, reaching Rs 200 per kg in many parts of the country.

Ironically, the government had recently approved the export of 500,000 tonnes of sugar, claiming it would help stabilise domestic prices. A formal tender has already been issued in this regard.

The latest fuel price hike will trigger a ripple effect, impacting the cost of transportation, food items, and other essential commodities. For low-income earners, this could mean greater financial hardship and difficulty in meeting even the most basic needs.

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Just a day before the hike, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while reviewing FBR reforms and digitalisation, stated that expanding the tax base and easing the burden on the poor were among the government’s key priorities.

However, many see such claims as empty rhetoric, pointing out that the ground realities paint a different picture, one where rising inflation and regressive policies continue to squeeze the average citizen.

Every 15 days after a new inflation bomb! Petrol 5.36, diesel Rs 11.37 expensive, flour, sugar, vegetables, electricity, gas all unbearable! Salary there, half of the wages, but the protocols, caravans, the waves of the rulers on public petrol continue! #petrolprice pic.twitter.com/nOZA89tjWT

— Majid_Ali_Mughal 🔻 (@MajidMughal01) July 15, 2025

حکومت صرف پیٹرولیم کی قیمتیں بڑھاتی ہے، باقی مہنگائی کا کام چہیتے تاجر اور ٹرانسپورٹر مکمل کر دیتے ہیں۔
رگڑا آخر میں صرف عوام کو ہی لگتا ہے, نہ کوئی روکنے والا، نہ پوچھنے والا!#petrol

— Azhar M Khan (@AzharMKhan3) July 15, 2025

ہر 15 دن بعد مہنگائی کا نیا بم! پٹرول 5.36، ڈیزل 11.37 روپے مہنگا، آٹا، چینی، سبزیاں، بجلی، گیس سب ناقابل برداشت! تنخواہیں وہیں، مزدوری آدھی، مگر پروٹوکول، قافلے، سرکاری پٹرول پر حکمرانوں کی موجیں جاری! عوام کا خون نچوڑا جا رہا ہے، اور ایوانوں میں خاموشی!#petrolprice #petrol pic.twitter.com/v61ZgdIEfd

— Ayesha Khan (@DahriAyesha) July 15, 2025

Petrol, diesel, & sugar prices are skyrocketing. Cartels that control the hybrid regime are profiteering by squeezing the salaried class. Lack of democracy means these cartels cannot be held accountable.

Economic justice must be central to the movement for restoring democracy.

— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) July 16, 2025

This government will not stop extracting blood from the veins of the public. Again petrol and diesel prices increased. Poor public paying unbelievable taxes. Rich are not paying anything and also get waive off on billions of loans but poor have to pay interest of loans. pic.twitter.com/PIa8wSIeZV

— Imran Gabol (@gabolizm) July 16, 2025

Corruption leads to higher petrol prices 🚨 pic.twitter.com/GTfsui1kM1

— khadija siddiqi (@khadijasid751) July 16, 2025

پٹرول کی قیمت بڑھانا حکومت کا اعتراف شکست ہے۔
کہ وہ ٹیکس لینے کی اوقات ہی رکھتے تو ساری وصولی پٹرول بجلی اور گیس کے بلوں سے کر رہے ہیں۔
وزیر صاحب ٹیکس نیٹ نہیں بڑھا سکتے تو کرسی چھوڑیں چنے بیچیں۔
بے رحم بے حس بیشرم

— Shah Owais Noorani (@iamowaisnoorani) July 15, 2025

فٹے منہ وئی

پیٹرول 5 روپے 36 پیسے، ڈیزل 11 روپے 37 پیسے فی لیٹر مہنگا
پی ایم صاحب زندہ باد
پاکستان زندہ باد pic.twitter.com/GQAvPNXYio

— Tariq Mateen (@tariqmateen) July 15, 2025