Fuel Price Hike Likely From February 16

ISLAMABAD: Citizens across Pakistan could be bracing for another surge in fuel prices from February 16, 2026, as industry estimates suggest petrol may go up by Rs4.39 per litre, diesel by Rs5.40, kerosene by Rs4.00 and light diesel oil (LDO) by Rs6.55 — a development likely to further accelerate inflation and transportation expenses nationwide.

Based on the projected figures, the ex-depot price of petrol (PMG) is anticipated to increase from Rs253.17 to Rs257.56 per litre, registering a rise of Rs4.39. High-speed diesel (HSD), regarded as the most economically critical fuel due to its extensive use in transport and agriculture, is expected to climb from Rs268.38 to Rs273.78 per litre, reflecting a Rs5.40 increase.

Kerosene oil, commonly relied upon in remote regions for cooking and lighting, is projected to rise from Rs175.80 to Rs179.80 per litre, marking a Rs4.00 hike. Meanwhile, LDO — primarily consumed in industrial boilers and furnace operations — is forecast to jump from Rs154.41 to Rs160.96 per litre, showing the steepest increase of Rs6.55.

Such anticipated hikes are likely to amplify inflationary pressure, as petroleum prices directly influence transport fares, logistics costs and the pricing of essential commodities. An increase in diesel rates is particularly impactful because it immediately raises freight charges across the country, resulting in higher prices for food items, vegetables, construction supplies and manufactured goods.

Petrol remains the dominant fuel for urban mobility, widely used in motorcycles, private vehicles, rickshaws and small cars. Any upward revision in petrol prices disproportionately affects middle- and lower-income households, especially individuals who depend on motorcycles for daily commuting and income-generating activities.

High-speed diesel, meanwhile, forms the backbone of Pakistan’s transportation network, powering buses, trucks, heavy vehicles and agricultural machinery. As the primary fuel for freight movement, a diesel price hike typically triggers a chain reaction, pushing up public transport fares and raising intercity goods transportation costs.

Kerosene continues to serve low-income communities, particularly in distant areas lacking access to natural gas and stable electricity. In colder regions, it is also used for heating during winter months, meaning any price increase adds further strain on already vulnerable households coping with rising energy expenses.

LDO is predominantly utilized by industrial and commercial sectors for generators, heating mechanisms and small-scale furnace operations. Higher LDO prices elevate production expenditures, which are often passed on to consumers through increased prices of goods and services.

Projections also indicate an uptick in ex-refinery prices — the base rates before taxes, levies and distribution margins are applied. The ex-refinery price of petrol is expected to move from Rs141.60 to Rs145.99 per litre, an increase of Rs4.39. High-speed diesel is projected to rise from Rs166.68 to Rs172.08 per litre, reflecting a Rs5.40 hike.

Similarly, the refinery-level price of kerosene is anticipated to climb from Rs146.52 to Rs150.52 per litre, up by Rs4.00. Light diesel oil is forecast to witness the sharpest refinery increase, jumping from Rs132.37 to Rs139.42 per litre, indicating a rise of Rs7.05.

If these projected adjustments take effect on February 16, the higher petroleum prices would further burden consumers and businesses already grappling with inflation, while increasing transport and manufacturing costs across the economy — potentially setting off another round of price escalations in essential goods and services.