Pakistan has emerged as the second most fuel-unaffordable country in the world, with soaring petrol prices placing an unprecedented burden on household incomes.

The ranking comes after petrol prices surged to around Rs458 per litre, following repeated government adjustments driven by rising international oil prices and fiscal pressures. The latest increase has sharply widened the gap between fuel costs and average earnings, making petrol increasingly inaccessible for ordinary citizens.

Global comparisons show that only Ethiopia currently ranks worse in terms of affordability, where daily wages remain extremely low relative to fuel prices. Despite several countries recording higher nominal petrol prices, Pakistan’s lower income levels mean consumers spend a far greater share of their earnings on fuel.

The spike in domestic fuel costs is closely tied to volatility in international energy markets amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted oil supplies and pushed prices higher worldwide. Pakistan, heavily dependent on imported petroleum, remains particularly vulnerable to such external shocks.

Economists warn that expensive fuel is rapidly feeding into broader inflation, raising transportation costs, food prices, and business expenses across the economy. For millions of Pakistanis already struggling with rising living costs, the fuel surge has intensified financial stress and reduced purchasing power.

Analysts caution that unless global oil markets stabilize or domestic policy relief measures are introduced, petrol affordability in Pakistan could worsen further, prolonging pressure on consumers and economic activity.