Fuel Prices Surge Across Pakistan as Iranian Petrol Becomes Scarce in Balochistan

Islamabad/Quetta:The federal government has announced a fresh hike in petroleum prices for the next 15 days. **Petrol** has been increased by **Rs. 4.80** per liter, while **diesel** has gone up by **Rs. 7.95** per liter.

* **New petrol price:** Rs. **258.43** per liter
* **New diesel price:** Rs. **262.59** per liter

At the same time, **prices of smuggled Iranian petrol**—a key source of fuel in Balochistan—have skyrocketed due to regional tensions and government crackdowns.

### **Key Developments:**

* **Complete ban** on the sale of Iranian petrol and diesel in **Quetta**, leading to a severe shortage.
* Despite the ban, **sales continue in several Baloch and Pashtun districts** of Balochistan, albeit at soaring prices.
* A source involved in the Iranian fuel trade revealed that **Iranian petrol, once sold for Rs. 190–195 per liter**, is now selling for **over Rs. 300 per liter**, largely due to **Iran-Israel tensions** disrupting supply and **hoarding by profiteers**.
* **Pashtun-majority districts** such as **Zhob, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, and Chaman** are facing acute shortages, with many petrol stations shut down.

### **Government’s Position:**

Spokesperson for the Balochistan Government, **Shahid Rind**, stated:

> *”Iranian petrol pumps pose serious security threats and have caused multiple accidents. In the past month alone, 28 incidents have occurred, resulting in millions of rupees in losses to the public. A strict crackdown against Iranian petrol smuggling is ongoing.”*

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The dual impact of **official fuel price hikes** and the **disruption in illegal Iranian fuel supply** is causing severe difficulties for consumers, especially in border regions, where petrol is becoming both scarce and unaffordable.

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