Pakistan has recorded the steepest increase in fuel prices among major South Asian economies since February 1, with official government notifications confirming petrol prices have surged by nearly 64 percent in just over three months.

Data from the Ministry of Energy shows petrol was priced at Rs. 253.17 per liter on February 1, 2026. Under the latest notification effective May 9, petrol now costs Rs. 414.78 per liter, marking a cumulative increase of about Rs. 162 per liter.

High-speed diesel prices also rose sharply during the same period, climbing 61 percent from Rs. 257.08 per liter to Rs. 414.58 per liter.

The largest single increase came in early April, when petrol prices jumped from Rs. 321.17 to Rs. 458.41 per liter following escalating Middle East tensions and fears of oil supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s fuel price surge has significantly exceeded movements in global oil markets. Brent crude prices rose from the low $70 per barrel range in February to above $90, briefly crossing $110 during peak volatility linked to the Iran conflict.

Regional comparisons show neighboring countries largely avoided passing similar price shocks directly to consumers. India kept retail petrol and diesel prices mostly stable, with state-owned oil companies absorbing higher import costs to limit public impact, according to international media reports.

Bangladesh adopted a more gradual approach, raising fuel prices only once in April by roughly 16 percent and maintaining rates unchanged for May.

The contrast highlights how Pakistan experienced one of the fastest retail fuel price escalations in the region despite broadly similar global oil market conditions.