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Posted by Akinola Kholid
- Apr 04, 2026, 07:25 AMPakistan's government announced that public transport in Islamabad and other major areas will be free for the next 30 days. This decision follows a sharp increase in petrol prices due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted global fuel supplies. Authorities hope the move will ease pressure on citizens struggling with soaring energy costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reduced petrol prices from 485 rupees ($1.74) to 378 rupees per liter after widespread protests and long fuel queues. He emphasized that this price adjustment would last for at least one month, assuring citizens that the government is working to stabilize daily life. However, diesel prices remain unchanged at 520 rupees per liter after a previous 54.9% hike.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that all state-run public transport in Islamabad will be free, costing the government around 350 million rupees. Punjab's provincial government has also removed charges for state buses and introduced targeted subsidies for trucks and buses. In Sindh, similar support measures are being offered to motorcyclists and small-scale farmers to reduce their economic burden.
The fuel crisis is linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, which began in February. Retaliatory Iranian strikes have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for about one-fifth of the world's energy supplies, much of it destined for Asia. In response, Pakistan has introduced austerity measures, including shorter workweeks for government offices, extended school holidays, and online classes for some students.
Public frustration over rising costs is growing, especially in Pakistan, where about 25% of the 240 million population lives below the poverty line. Protests in Lahore and other cities demanded immediate relief, with citizens describing the sudden fuel hikes as a heavy burden on families already struggling with inflation. Similar energy price increases have been implemented in neighboring countries like Bangladesh.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that countries like Pakistan face both higher energy prices and supply chain challenges. Pakistan recently reached an agreement with the IMF for a $1.2-billion support package. Citizens continue to call on the government to resist external pressures and prioritize public welfare during this energy crisis.
Source:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reduced petrol prices from 485 rupees ($1.74) to 378 rupees per liter after widespread protests and long fuel queues. He emphasized that this price adjustment would last for at least one month, assuring citizens that the government is working to stabilize daily life. However, diesel prices remain unchanged at 520 rupees per liter after a previous 54.9% hike.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that all state-run public transport in Islamabad will be free, costing the government around 350 million rupees. Punjab's provincial government has also removed charges for state buses and introduced targeted subsidies for trucks and buses. In Sindh, similar support measures are being offered to motorcyclists and small-scale farmers to reduce their economic burden.
The fuel crisis is linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, which began in February. Retaliatory Iranian strikes have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for about one-fifth of the world's energy supplies, much of it destined for Asia. In response, Pakistan has introduced austerity measures, including shorter workweeks for government offices, extended school holidays, and online classes for some students.
Public frustration over rising costs is growing, especially in Pakistan, where about 25% of the 240 million population lives below the poverty line. Protests in Lahore and other cities demanded immediate relief, with citizens describing the sudden fuel hikes as a heavy burden on families already struggling with inflation. Similar energy price increases have been implemented in neighboring countries like Bangladesh.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that countries like Pakistan face both higher energy prices and supply chain challenges. Pakistan recently reached an agreement with the IMF for a $1.2-billion support package. Citizens continue to call on the government to resist external pressures and prioritize public welfare during this energy crisis.
Source: