In 2020, petrol in Pakistan cost less than a cup of tea at a dhaba today. In 2026, one litre crossed Rs458 for the first time in the country’s history. This page shows the full petrol price history in Pakistan from 2020 to 2026 — year by year, in simple words, with the real OGRA prices and the real reasons behind each big move.
Quick Answer: Petrol Price History in Pakistan 2020–2026
The petrol price in Pakistan was Rs116.60 per litre on 1 January 2020. It fell to its lowest point, Rs74.52 per litre, in June 2020. Years of rises later, it hit the highest petrol price in Pakistan’s history — Rs458.41 per litre — on 3 April 2026. On 7 November 2026, it came down to Rs346.00 per litre under the new daily pricing system.
Petrol Price History in Pakistan 2020–2026: Year by Year
The official petrol price per litre on 1 January, and the biggest moment of each year:
| Year | Price on 1 Jan (Rs/litre) | Biggest moment | Main reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 116.60 | Fell to 74.52 in June | COVID-19 stopped travel; world oil demand collapsed |
| 2021 | 106.00 | Jumped to 145.82 in November | World oil rebounded after COVID |
| 2022 | 144.82 | Rose to 248.74 on 30 June | Fuel subsidy removed; Ukraine war raised crude oil prices |
| 2023 | 214.80 | Record 331.38 in September; cut to 283.38 in October | Rupee lost value; petroleum levy rose under the IMF programme |
| 2024 | 267.34 | Fell to 249.10 in September | Rupee steady; world oil cooled |
| 2025 | 252.66 | Almost no change all year | Stable oil, stable rupee |
| 2026 | 253.17 | Record 458.41 on 3 April; 346.00 on 7 November | Middle East conflict raised import costs |
What Were the Petrol Prices in 2020 and 2021?
Petrol began 2020 at Rs116.60 per litre. Then COVID-19 reached Pakistan. Roads emptied, and the world stopped buying oil. On 1 June 2020, the price reached Rs74.52 — the lowest in this whole story. By December, it was back to about Rs103.69. The year 2021 opened at Rs106.00 and moved slowly for months, until world oil pushed it up to Rs145.82 in November. A small cut in December brought it to Rs140.82.
What Was the Petrol Price in 2022?
In March 2022, the government cut the price to Rs149.86 and froze it with a big subsidy. The freeze could not last. The subsidy was removed in steps in May and June, the Ukraine war raised world prices, and the rupee fell. On 30 June 2022, petrol reached Rs248.74 — about Rs100 more in one month.
What Was the Petrol Price in 2023?
Petrol jumped to Rs249.80 in January 2023, as the rupee fell and taxes stayed high under the IMF programme. On 16 September 2023, the price hit Rs331.38 — the first time petrol crossed Rs300. One month later, a record cut brought it down to Rs283.38.
What Were the Petrol Prices in 2024 and 2025?
After two stormy years came two calm years. The price opened 2024 at Rs267.34, rose to about Rs294 in spring, then slowly fell to Rs249.10 in September, ending the year at Rs252.66 — cheaper than it started. And 2025 was even more stable: petrol stayed in the Rs250s and low Rs260s all year. Nobody knew 2026 would bring the biggest shock of all.
What Happened to the Petrol Price in 2026?
Petrol began 2026 at Rs253.17. Then conflict in the Middle East pushed import costs sharply up. On 3 April 2026, the price reached Rs458.41 per litre — the highest ever in Pakistan, about six times the June 2020 low. It stayed high, at Rs377.91 on 31 October, even after the petroleum levy was cut from Rs80 to Rs65.29, as our petrol levy guide explains. In November, a new 30-day formula started daily price calculation, and the price fell to Rs346.00 on 7 November 2026.
2026 is the year of the PM Petrol Relief Scheme, which gives eligible riders Rs100 relief per litre — about 29% of today’s price. Check who is eligible and prepare your SMS with the free 9771 SMS Generator.
What Does a 10-Litre Fill Cost Then and Now?
The same story, as riders feel it — the cost of filling 10 litres:
| Moment | Price per litre (Rs) | Cost of 10 litres (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| June 2020 (lowest) | 74.52 | 745 |
| 16 September 2023 | 331.38 | 3,314 |
| 3 April 2026 (highest ever) | 458.41 | 4,584 |
| 7 November 2026 (latest) | 346.00 | 3,460 |
One fact stands out: in June 2020, a full litre cost Rs74.52 — less than the Rs100 relief the government now gives on a single litre.
Why Did Petrol Prices Rise So Much in Pakistan?
OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) works out the price from four causes; the government announces the final ex-depot price:
- World crude oil prices. Pakistan imports almost all its oil. When crude oil rises — COVID’s recovery, the Ukraine war, the 2026 conflict — pump prices rise too.
- The value of the rupee. Oil is bought in US dollars, so a weaker rupee alone can raise the price. The 2023 record was mainly a rupee story.
- Petroleum levy and taxes. The final pump price includes the petroleum development levy and other taxes.
- Subsidy decisions. The 2022 freeze and its removal moved the price by Rs100 in a month.
Final Words
The petrol price history in Pakistan from 2020 to 2026 is a story of two shocks: Rs74.52 in June 2020, and Rs458.41 in April 2026. Prices now change daily, so check the latest price before planning your fuel — and if you ride a motorcycle, rickshaw, or a car up to 800cc, claim the Rs100 per litre relief.
Sources: OGRA notifications and Finance Ministry announcements, as reported by Dawn and other national outlets.
FAQs About Petrol Price History in Pakistan
What is the highest petrol price in Pakistan’s history?
The highest petrol price in Pakistan was Rs458.41 per litre on 3 April 2026, during the Middle East conflict that pushed world oil prices up. Before that, the record was Rs331.38 per litre, set on 16 September 2023.
What is the lowest petrol price in Pakistan in recent years?
The lowest price in the 2020–2026 period was Rs74.52 per litre on 1 June 2020. Travel had stopped during the COVID-19 lockdowns, world oil demand had collapsed, and the government passed the benefit to the public.
What was the petrol price in Pakistan in 2020?
Petrol began 2020 at Rs116.60 per litre, fell to Rs74.52 in June during COVID-19, and ended the year at about Rs103.69 per litre as travel and oil demand returned.
Why did the petrol price jump so fast in 2022?
Three things happened together in 2022: the government removed the fuel subsidy that had frozen the price at Rs149.86, the Russia–Ukraine war raised world oil prices, and the rupee fell against the dollar. Petrol rose from Rs149.86 in March to Rs248.74 by 30 June 2022.
How often does the petrol price change in Pakistan now?
For many years, prices were revised every 15 days through OGRA and the Finance Ministry. In November 2026, a new formula for 30 days moved the system toward daily calculation based on actual import costs, which is how the price reached Rs346.00 on 7 November 2026.
Where can I check the latest petrol price and relief details?
The latest notified prices come from OGRA and government announcements. On this website, our price reports explain each change in simple words, and our guides explain the PM Petrol Relief Scheme — including who is eligible, which pumps take part, and how to register by SMS to 9771.
