Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced late Friday that the federal government has decided to maintain existing prices of Motor Spirit (petrol) and high-speed diesel for another week, shielding consumers from a significant increase.

Under the revised decision, petrol will continue to sell at Rs321.17 per litre, while high-speed diesel will remain priced at Rs335.86 per litre, effective from Saturday, March 27, 2026.

Proposed Increase Rejected

Officials said the Petroleum Division had recommended a steep increase in fuel prices, proposing a rise of Rs95 per litre for petrol and Rs203 per litre for diesel due to rising international costs.

However, the prime minister rejected the summary, opting instead to keep prices unchanged. The move will require the government to absorb an estimated Rs56 billion subsidy to offset the financial impact.

Continued Price Relief

The latest decision follows a similar move last week when the government maintained fuel prices as part of an Eid relief measure despite ongoing pressure linked to the regional trade disruptions during the Gulf conflict.

According to officials, fuel prices have been revised five times in recent review cycles, with increases implemented in three of those adjustments.