Fuel prices are a topic of constant discussion and concern for many individuals. They have a significant impact on our daily lives, affecting everything from the cost of transportation to the prices of goods and services. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the changes in petrol prices in Pakistan’s history from 2015-2023.
Current Petrol Prices
In a recent development that’s likely to impact the lives of Pakistanis across the nation, the price of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) has once again seen an increase. The September 16, 2023, price hike adds to a series of price increases, creating concerns. Since August 15, petrol has surged by a staggering Rs. 58.43 per liter, while high-speed diesel has risen by Rs. 55.84 per liter. These significant price jumps in such a short span of time are cause for worry, as they have a direct impact on the cost of living and transportation expenses for individuals and the operational costs of businesses.
The impact of rising fuel prices extends beyond the pump. It affects the overall cost of living as transportation costs rise and, subsequently, prices for goods and services follow suit. For businesses, higher fuel costs mean increased operational expenses, potentially leading to adjustments in pricing or cost-cutting measures that could affect employees.
The reasons behind these consistent fuel price hikes are multifaceted. They often stem from the global market, where fluctuations in crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and supply and demand dynamics play crucial roles. Additionally, local factors, such as government taxation policies and economic conditions, contribute to these price fluctuations.
Fluctuations in Petrol Prices in 2023
The table below provides a snapshot of fluctuations in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices in Pakistan for several months leading up to September 16, 2023.
| Date | Petrol | High Speed Diesel (HSD) |
| 16th Sep 2023 | 331.38 | 329.18 |
| Sep 1 | 305.36 | 311.84 |
| Aug 16 | 290.45 | 293.40 |
| Aug 1 | 272.95 | 273.40 |
| July 16 | 253.00 | 253.50 |
| June 1 | 262.00 | 253.00 |
| May 16 | 270.00 | 258.00 |
| Apr 15 | 282.00 | 293.00 |
| April 1 | 272.00 | 293.00 |
| March 16 | 272.00 | 293.00 |
| March 1 | 267.00 | 280.00 |
| Feb 16 | 272.00 | 280.00 |
| Jan 29 | 249.80 | 262.80 |
On September 16, 2023, the price of petrol stood at 331.38 PKR per liter, while high-speed diesel (HSD) was priced at 329.18 PKR per liter. Notably, this reflects an upward trend in fuel prices compared to previous months. In particular, August and July showed a consistent increase in fuel costs, signaling a concerning trend.
However, if we look further back, from June to April, there was a period of relative stability in fuel prices, with petrol and HSD prices hovering within a certain range. March stands out as a month of significant price volatility, with a substantial drop in early March followed by a swift rebound later in the month. Moreover, February and January displayed relatively stable fuel prices, offering some respite to consumers.
Petrol Prices From 2015-2023
Below are the prices of different petroleum products from the year throughout the years. These prices reflect the cost of these essential fuels in that particular year.
Petrol prices in 2023 (Sep 2023)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 331.38 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 329.18 |
| Kerosene Oil | 233.520 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 147.68 |
Petrol prices in 2022 (Dec 2022)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 214.80 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 227.80 |
| Kerosene Oil | 171.83 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 169.00 |
Petrol prices in 2021 (Dec 2021)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 140.82 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 137.62 |
| Kerosene Oil | 109.53 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 107.06 |
Petrol prices in 2020 (Dec 2020)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 103.69 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 108.44 |
| Kerosene Oil | 70.29 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 67.86 |
Petrol prices in 2019 (Dec 2019)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 113.99 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 125.1 |
| Kerosene Oil | 96.35 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 82.43 |
Petrol prices in 2018 (Dec 2018)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 95.83 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 110.94 |
| Kerosene Oil | 83.50 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 77.44 |
Petrol prices in 2017 (Dec 2017)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 77.47 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 85.95 |
| Kerosene Oil | 57.58 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 52.12 |
Petrol prices in 2016 (dec 2016)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 66.27 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 75.22 |
| Kerosene Oil | 43.25 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 43.35 |
Petrol prices in 2015 (dec 2015)
| Product | Prices |
| Petrol | 73.76 |
| High Speed Diesel (HSD) | 83.79 |
| Kerosene Oil | 56.32 |
| Light Diesel Oil (LDO) | 53.23 |
Comparison of Petrol Prices in Pakistan’s History
The cost of fuel is a topic that affects everyone, from the daily commute to the monthly budget. It’s not just a matter of convenience; it’s a significant economic factor. In Pakistan, the prices of petrol and diesel have experienced substantial fluctuations in recent years. Let’s take a closer look at the journey of these prices over the past few years.
| Year | Petrol | Diesel |
| 2015 | 73.76 | 83.79 |
| 2016 | 66.27 | 75.22 |
| 2017 | 77.47 | 75.22 |
| 2018 | 95.83 | 110.94 |
| 2019 | 113.99 | 125.1 |
| 2020 | 103.69 | 108.44 |
| 2021 | 140.82 | 137.62 |
| 2022 | 214.80 | 227.80 |
| 2023 | 331.38 | 329.18 |
Conclusion
The recent surge in fuel prices in Pakistan calls for a closer examination of the factors contributing to these increases and their impact on the daily lives of citizens. As consumers and businesses navigate these challenging times, staying informed about fuel price trends and government policies becomes even more critical. Balancing the economic realities with necessary measures to mitigate the impact of fuel price hikes remains a significant challenge for Pakistan’s interim government and its citizens.
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