Pakistan: Fuel Stations See Queues After 20% Price Hike

Long queues formed at fuel stations in Pakistan after a 20% price increase was announced, due to the impact of the war on international oil prices.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced an increase of 55 rupees (€0.17), bringing the price of diesel to 321.17 rupees (€0.99) and petrol to 335.86 rupees (€1.04).

The government stated that the increase was necessary due to the global rise in oil prices and is expected to lead to higher inflation.

Prior to the announcement, queues were observed in cities such as Lahore and Karachi. Imran Hussein, a resident of Lahore, reported waiting 70 minutes at a fuel station.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that those who profit from fuel hoarding will be punished. Pakistan imports oil mainly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The government will evaluate prices on a weekly basis.