Pakistan Holds Steady on Fuel Prices Amid Global Market Volatility

Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a decision to maintain current petroleum product prices in Pakistan, defying a recent upward trend in the global oil market. The move, announced Friday, March 13, 2026, aims to alleviate the financial strain on Pakistani citizens, according to statements from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Relief for Consumers

The decision to forgo a price increase comes as a direct response to the economic pressures faced by the Pakistani population. “The prices are not being increased to reduce the burden on the common man,” stated PM Shehbaz Sharif, reiterating his commitment to providing relief wherever possible Dawn, Pakistan Today, Radio Pakistan, APP.

Economic Context and Government Measures

The Prime Minister acknowledged the broader global economic pressures stemming from regional tensions, which pose a potential threat to Pakistan’s economy. However, he emphasized that timely policy-making, austerity measures implemented by the government, and financial discipline are being employed to effectively navigate these challenges Dawn, Pakistan Today, Radio Pakistan, APP.

Provincial governments are also reportedly supporting the federal government’s austerity initiatives, a development welcomed by the Prime Minister Dawn, Pakistan Today, Radio Pakistan, APP.

Ensuring Supply and Price Controls

The government has secured adequate crude oil supplies through the efforts of its diplomatic and economic teams Dawn, Pakistan Today, Radio Pakistan, APP. Both federal and provincial authorities are working to ensure that fuel is sold at government-regulated prices Dawn, Pakistan Today, Radio Pakistan, APP.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that the global situation would improve, leading to stabilization in international petroleum prices Dawn, Pakistan Today, Radio Pakistan, APP.