Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif rejects proposal to hike petrol by Rs 95 per litre, diesel by 203 per litre

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday said he once again rejected a proposal to increase the price of petrol by Rs 95 per litre and diesel by Rs 203 per litre keeping in view the financial problems faced by the people

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Mar, 2026) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday said he once again rejected a proposal to increase the price of petrol by Rs 95 per litre and diesel by Rs 203 per litre keeping in view the financial problems faced by the people.

In a televised address to the nation, he said, "The Federal government has once again decided to bear the burden of Rs 56 billion this week."

He said, "According to the prevailing market, today the price of petrol in Pakistan should have been Rs 544 but it is sold at Rs. 322 per litre. Similarly, the price of diesel has also increased. Today, in Pakistan, the price of diesel should be Rs 790 per litre, but the government is providing diesel at Rs 335 per litre so that people are saved from the burden."

The prime minister said the government had shouldered the historic burden of Rs 125 billion on account of fuel since the crisis in the region started.

This money could have been used for different development projects but "nothing is more dear to me than your economic security", he remarked urging people to make significant changes in their daily lives to conserve fuel.

"Before traveling, think whether this journey is necessary, whether it is necessary to take out a car or motorbike every time," he continued adding, "Frugality is no longer optional, but has become our shared responsibility."

He said in countries around the world, prices of fuel have doubled and long lines of people have formed at petrol pumps.

"The prices are beyond the control of the people and governments have become helpless, but your government has so far prevented this storm of inflation from reaching you. However, the government cannot face this situation alone," he noted.

He appealed to the people to fully cooperate with the government according to a comprehensive plan that will be announced in the next few days to confront the ongoing difficult time.

/mnr