In a late-night address on Thursday, April 3, 2026, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a significant reduction in petrol prices, cutting them by 80 Pakistani Rupees (PKR) per litre. This move directly reversed a sharp increase of approximately PKR 80 per litre that had been implemented just a day earlier, on April 2, 2026.
The initial price hike had triggered immediate and severe public backlash, with protests erupting and opposition parties criticizing the government for the burden placed on citizens amid high inflation. The government had attributed the earlier increase to rising global oil prices and the need to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Prime Minister Sharif stated the decision to slash prices was taken to provide relief to the public. He acknowledged the hardship caused by the previous day's increase and emphasized the government's responsiveness to the people's concerns. The new price for petrol is set at approximately PKR 288 per litre, down from the PKR 368 per litre set on Wednesday.
Analysts note that such a dramatic policy reversal within 24 hours is highly unusual and underscores the intense political and economic pressure on the government. The frequent adjustments in fuel prices remain a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, directly impacting transport costs and the prices of essential goods.
