Jet Fuel Price Soars 82% in Pakistan After Petroleum Hike
By Sardar Burhan :
The Government of Pakistan has sharply increased the price of jet fuel (JP-1) used by commercial aircraft, a move expected to push up airfares across the country.
According to reports, the government raised the jet fuel price by Rs154 per litre, taking it to a record Rs342.37 per litre, compared with the previous rate of Rs188.93.
The increase represents an 82 per cent surge, significantly raising operational costs for airlines.
Aviation experts say the hike is likely to result in an increase of at least Rs5,000 in airfares, as airlines pass on the additional costs to passengers.
Fuel price surge linked to global tensions
The latest increase follows a major rise in petroleum prices announced a day earlier by the government.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that petrol and diesel prices had been raised by Rs55 per litre due to surging global oil prices.
Under the new rates, petrol will cost Rs321.17 per litre, while diesel has increased from Rs275.70 to Rs335.86 per litre.
Dar said the decision was taken after international oil prices climbed sharply following escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after an attack on Iran.
He added that the conflict had widened over the past 48 hours, with Turkiye and Azerbaijan also becoming involved, pushing global petroleum prices significantly higher.
Government calls decision difficult
Ali Pervaiz Malik, Pakistan’s petroleum minister, described the price increase as a difficult but necessary decision.
He said the government was working to ensure the country’s energy needs were met despite rising global oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
IMF pressure on fuel pricing
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly urged Pakistan to increase petrol and diesel prices immediately.
According to sources, the demand was raised during virtual talks between Pakistani authorities and an IMF delegation as part of ongoing economic consultations.
Economists warn that the combined impact of higher petrol, diesel and jet fuel prices could significantly increase transportation and travel costs, adding further pressure on consumers already facing rising inflation.
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