Public Outrage Erupts on Social Media After Massive Fuel Price Hike
Islamabad: A wave of anger has spread across social media following a sharp increase in petroleum prices, with many users criticizing the government’s decision and questioning its justification.
قطری ٹیلی ویژن کے مطابق پاکستان کے تیل بردار جہاز آبنائے ہرمز سے بلا روک ٹوک تیل کراچی لا رہے ہیں اب تک 18 بحری جہاز اس راستے سے تیل لا چکے ہیں تو پھر حکومت پاکستان نے تیل کی قیمت میں اتنا اضافہ کیوں کیا؟ عوام پر ضرورت سے زیادہ معاشی بوجھ ڈال کر انہیں کسی ایسے سیاسی فیصلے کے لئے… https://t.co/zD5uAk61q8
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) April 3, 2026
The federal government attributed the hike to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising global oil prices. Addressing a press conference on Thursday night, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced a significant increase of PKR 137.23 per liter in petrol and PKR 184.49 per liter in diesel.
What has petroleum levy got to do with international oil prices. Petroleum levy was Rs 80 when war started and is now double that amount at Rs 160. Why ?
Why more taxes on people?— Mohammad Zubair (@Real_MZubair) April 3, 2026
Following the hike, petrol prices have reached PKR 458.41 per liter, while diesel now stands at PKR 520.35 per liter, placing a heavy burden on the public.
دنیا بھر میں صرف حکومت پاکستان ہی واحد حکومت ہے جس نے نا صرف ایمانداری سے تیل کی قیمتوں کا بوجھ پوری طرح عوام پر منتقل کیا بلکہ فی لیٹر ٹیکس میں بھی اضافہ کیا تاکہ عوام کا تیل بھی نا نکلے بلکہ خون نکلے#FuelLevy #Pakistan
— Mubashir Zaidi (@xadeejourno) April 2, 2026
The decision has triggered widespread criticism online:
The new price of petrol is Rs 458.41 per litre. It was increased by Rs 134 per litre last night. This increase includes an increase of Rs 55 in petroleum levy. So the government decided to increase tax on petrol by Rs 55 at the same time it was raising prices.
So let’s…
— Miftah Ismail (@MiftahIsmail) April 3, 2026
Senior journalist Hamid Mir questioned why prices were raised despite reports that oil shipments were continuing smoothly through the Strait of Hormuz. He also raised concerns about whether the public was being prepared for a larger political decision.
Former Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair criticized the increase in petroleum levy, asking why it had doubled from PKR 80 to PKR 160 per liter despite global price fluctuations.
Just spoke with 3 highly influential figures deeply embedded in Pakistan’s decision-making circles. Every single one of them said the same thing with full confidence: “The masses will just bicker for a few days over this massive petroleum price hike… then move on.”God Save The…
— Nusrat Javeed (@javeednusrat) April 2, 2026
Journalist Mobasher Zaidi mocked the move, saying the government had not only passed the full burden of rising oil prices onto the public but also increased taxes.
Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail pointed out that the total increase included a significant rise in taxes, arguing that the government had added PKR 55 per liter in levy alongside the base price hike.
Senior analyst Nusrat Javed revealed that influential circles believe public protests over the hike will subside within a few days.
وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کو دل کی گہرائیوں سے خراجِ تحسین پیش کرتی ہوں جنہوں نے عالمی منڈی میں تیل کی قیمتوں میں مسلسل اضافے کے باوجود ایک ماہ تک اس کا بوجھ عوام پر منتقل نہیں ہونے دیا۔ یہ صرف ایک فیصلہ نہیں بلکہ ذمہ دار قیادت، مؤثر حکمتِ عملی اور بہترین فِسکل مینجمنٹ کی واضح مثال ہے۔…
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 2, 2026
Social media users also expressed frustration, with many accusing the government of worsening economic hardship while presenting the measures as necessary.
Some people are questioning why govt is increasing petrol prices when Pakistani tankers are allowed to pass through Strait of Hormuz.
Passing through Strait of Hormuz doesn’t entitle Pakistan any discounts. We have to buy crude oil at international prices which are very high.
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) April 2, 2026
Despite differing opinions, some analysts noted that global oil prices have risen sharply over the past month, and Pakistan continues to purchase crude oil at international market rates, regardless of shipping routes.
It is worth noting that this is the second major increase in fuel prices within a month, following an earlier hike of PKR 55 per liter for both petrol and diesel on March 4.
