Cost of Commuting Rises as Government Hikes Fuel Prices TODAY

On 16 February 2026, the Government of Pakistan announced another round of fuel price increases in the fortnightly review of petroleum product rates — a move that is expected to push up commuting costs for millions of people nationwide.

Under the new pricing regime effective immediately:

• Petrol has been raised by Rs 5 per liter, bringing its price to Rs 258.17.

• High-Speed Diesel (HSD) has increased by Rs 7.32 per liter, now costing Rs 275.70.

These upward revisions follow a complex interplay of international oil market movements, exchange rate fluctuations, and policy decisions by regulators such as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

Why This Matters for Daily Commuters

Fuel is the backbone of everyday commuting — whether it’s private motorcycles, cars, ride-hailing services, or public transport. When motor spirit and diesel become costlier:

✔️ Private vehicle owners see their monthly fuel expenses climb, squeezing household budgets.
✔️ Public transport fares often rise as operators pass on higher diesel costs to passengers. The intercity and intra-city bus, van, and rickshaw services become more expensive as a result.
✔️ Small vehicles and motorbike riders — many of whom belong to the middle and lower-middle income groups — feel the pinch more acutely, since a larger share of their income goes into daily travel.

Flow-On Effects Across the Economy

The fuel price increase doesn’t just affect commuters — it reverberates through the broader economy:

• Transport and logistics costs rise as diesel is a major input for buses, trucks, and commercial freight fleets.

• Prices of essential goods such as food, vegetables, construction materials, and farm produce tend to climb due to higher transport and delivery costs.

• Businesses dealing in logistics and supply chains may pass on increased operational expenses to consumers.

Public Response and Political Reactions

The latest hike has drawn criticism from political leaders and activists. Opposition figures have labelled the decision a burden on inflation-weary citizens, arguing that raising fuel prices just ahead of key spending periods adds to financial pressure on ordinary families.

Critics say that the timing — close to Ramazan — could prove particularly difficult for lower income households, who already struggle with rising living costs. They contend that higher fuel charges will inevitably feed into the cost of essential goods, further deepening inflationary pressures.

What Comes Next?

Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed every fortnight. This periodic adjustment mechanism means commuters and businesses must constantly adapt to shifting fuel costs, which reflect global price trends and domestic fiscal policies.

With no sign of the current hike being reversed soon, commuters may have to reassess their travel choices — including carpooling, using public transport more often, or optimizing travel to reduce fuel consumption. For many households, transportation will continue to take up a larger share of monthly spending.