Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the nation at 9pm today, focusing on the ongoing Middle East conflict and its growing impact on Pakistan’s fuel supply and economy.
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Pakistan is facing the risk of a potential fuel crisis after the government earlier this month increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre—around a 20 percent hike—citing disruptions in global supply chains caused by the conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel. The escalation has driven crude oil prices to a two-year high, intensifying economic pressure domestically.
In response, the government has rolled out a series of austerity measures aimed at managing fuel consumption and easing the burden on national reserves. These steps include introducing an additional weekly holiday, reducing free petrol allocations for ministers, limiting the use of protocol vehicles, and proposing subsidised fuel options for students.
Additionally, authorities have approved a significant increase in the fuel levy on high-octane fuel—commonly used in luxury vehicles—raising it by Rs200 per litre. This brings the total levy to Rs300 per litre, pushing the price of high-octane fuel to approximately Rs600 per litre.
Officials say the prime minister’s address will outline further steps to manage the crisis and ensure stability, as the government navigates the economic fallout of rising global energy prices.
The address comes at a critical time, with households and businesses already grappling with inflation and rising transportation costs, making fuel affordability a key national concern.
