Pakistan shifts to daily fuel price changes amid West Asia tensions
Pakistan has announced a shift to daily adjustments of petroleum prices, responding to volatile global oil markets driven by ongoing conflict in West Asia. The decision was disclosed by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar during a press conference on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Mr. Malik stated that the Cabinet has assigned the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to set fuel prices on a daily basis. OGRA will not only publish the rates on its website but also detail the factors influencing the price at each petrol pump. This move aims to increase transparency, allowing the public to understand the reasons behind price fluctuations.
The government had previously adjusted prices weekly since the start of the U.S.-Iran war in late February, and before that, on a fortnightly basis. The weekly system faced criticism for delays in passing on lower global prices to consumers. The new daily mechanism will base prices on a seven-day weekly average of international markets, according to Mr. Malik.
Mr. Malik also highlighted steps toward deregulation, stating that future adjustments will align with international markets without requiring additional approvals. He mentioned that during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to Turkiye, Turkish Petroleum agreed to extract oil and gas in Pakistan starting October, marking a return after 20 years.
Information Minister Tarar linked the rising oil prices to the worsening regional situation, noting that Pakistan's efforts to resolve the conflict have been appreciated globally.
However, the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners' Association has rejected the proposed policy, warning of protests and strikes if it is not withdrawn. Vice Chairman Noman Ali Butt argued that the government should consult all stakeholders, including petrol pump owners, before implementing such changes. He expressed concerns that the policy would affect oil tankers, transportation, and the pricing system, and demanded dialogue on the issue.
