Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced late Friday that the federal government will keep the prices of Motor Spirit (petrol) and high-speed diesel unchanged for another week. Effective March 27, 2026, petrol will remain at Rs. 321.17 per litre, while diesel continues at Rs. 335.86 per litre.
The decision comes despite recommendations from authorities to raise fuel prices significantly in line with global market fluctuations. Instead, the government has chosen to absorb a subsidy of Rs. 56 billion to prevent the increase and ease the burden on consumers.
Since the start of weekly fuel price revisions, total subsidies have now reached Rs. 125 billion. The government had also previously kept prices steady as part of an Eid relief measure, aiming to protect citizens from sudden price shocks amid ongoing trade pressures linked to developments in the Gulf region.
Officials noted that maintaining fuel prices at the current level is part of a broader effort to stabilize the economy and support households and businesses facing rising costs. By managing subsidies carefully, the government hopes to balance fiscal responsibility with public relief.
The move is expected to provide temporary relief to commuters, transporters, and industries reliant on fuel while the authorities continue to monitor global oil prices and their impact on the domestic market.
Analysts suggest that such measures are crucial to manage inflation and maintain economic stability during periods of international uncertainty.
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that fuel supply remains uninterrupted and affordable for the public in the coming weeks.
