Wed. Aug 13th, 2025

2018 petrol price in Pakistan 

In 2018, petrol prices in Pakistan experienced significant fluctuations due to changes in global oil prices, a weakening rupee, and new taxes. The price started at around Rs. 81.53 per litre and rose to Rs. 95.24, before decreasing again. The government regularly updated prices with guidance from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). These frequent adjustments were a significant topic of public interest and political debate, directly affecting the daily lives of citizens.

Compare the prices with: 2017 Petrol Price in Pakistan

2018 petrol price in pakistan

2018 میں، تیل کی عالمی قیمتوں میں تبدیلی، روپے کے کمزور ہونے اور نئے ٹیکسوں کی وجہ سے پاکستان میں پیٹرول کی قیمتوں میں نمایاں اتار چڑھاؤ آیا۔ قیمت لگ بھگ روپے سے شروع ہوئی۔ 81.53 فی لیٹر اور بڑھ کر روپے ہوگئی۔ 95.24، دوبارہ کم ہونے سے پہلے۔ حکومت نے آئل اینڈ گیس ریگولیٹری اتھارٹی (اوگرا) کی رہنمائی کے ساتھ قیمتوں کو باقاعدگی سے اپ ڈیٹ کیا۔ یہ متواتر ایڈجسٹمنٹ عوامی دلچسپی اور سیاسی بحث کا ایک اہم موضوع تھے، جو شہریوں کی روزمرہ زندگی کو براہ راست متاثر کرتے تھے۔

Monthly Breakdown of Petrol Prices in 2018

Here is an overview of the month-by-month changes in petrol prices in Pakistan throughout 2018:

MonthPetrol Price (PKR/litre)
January81.53
February84.51
March88.07
April87.70
May87.70
June91.96
July95.24
August95.24
September92.83
October92.83
November92.83
December90.97

Factors Influencing Petrol Prices in 2018

Several elements played a role in the fluctuations of petrol prices in 2018: 

  • International Crude Oil Prices: Variations in global crude oil prices had a direct effect on local petrol rates. Midway through the year, there was an uptick in global oil prices, which caused domestic rates to rise. 
  • PKR Devaluation: In 2018, the Pakistani Rupee experienced a substantial decline in value against the US Dollar, leading to higher costs for oil imports. 
  • Government Regulations: Pricing decisions were shaped by taxation policies and modifications to petroleum levies. Regular updates happened as a result of changes in political leadership during the general elections. 
  • Oil Import Expenses: Given that Pakistan heavily depends on imported oil, any rise in freight, insurance, or refining costs was reflected in prices for consumers.

Price trends and monthly fluctuations

In 2018, the price of petrol in Pakistan fluctuated frequently. This was due to rising global oil prices, a depreciation of the rupee, and adjustments in taxes. Petrol prices began at Rs. 81.53 and increased to Rs. 95.24 by August. The government revised the rates monthly with the assistance of OGRA.

Government Policies and Oil Price Strategy

In 2018, the Pakistani government changed petrol prices every month. Prices went up or down depending on world oil rates, the rupee’s value, and local taxes. The government listened to OGRA before making any changes. These monthly updates helped manage the effect of global oil prices on people. The main goal was to help the public and also take care of the country’s money matters.

Impact on the public and the transportation sector

In 2018, when petrol prices went up, daily life got harder. Travel became more expensive, and bus, taxi, and rickshaw fares also increased. Drivers and transport workers had to spend more on fuel. Moving goods costs more, too, so prices of food and other things are going up. This made it tough for many people and the transport sector.

Comparison with the global oil price in 2018

MonthGlobal Oil PricePetrol Price in PakistanRemarks
January$69.00PKR 81.53Global prices rising; stable domestic prices.
February$66.63PKR 84.51Small global dip, local prices adjusted upward.
March$70.27PKR 88.07Continued increase in both global and local prices.
April$72.11PKR 87.70Global prices rising; local price slightly decreased.
May$77.03PKR 87.70Highest global prices yet; local prices held steady.
June$74.25PKR 91.96Global slight dip; local price rises.
July$74.25PKR 95.24Local prices peak; stable global trend.
August$72.61PKR 95.24Global prices are slightly down; local prices are unchanged.
September$79.28PKR 92.83Global prices rise; local prices are adjusted downward.
October$81.03PKR 92.83Global peak; local price unchanged.
November$65.33PKR 92.83Global price drops sharply; local price not adjusted.
December$57.36PKR 90.97Global oil hits yearly low; local price finally reduced.

Public Response and Media Reaction

In 2018, when fuel prices increased, a lot of individuals were frustrated. They expressed that everyday activities like commuting and shopping became excessively expensive. Some shared their concerns on social media, while others voiced their opinions in the news. The media also addressed the topic, highlighting how rising prices were complicating life. News outlets influence pricing, and newspapers urged the government to assist the public.

Conclusion

The year 2018 was characterised by frequent fluctuations in petrol prices in Pakistan, driven by increasing global oil costs, a declining rupee, and changing government policies. Beginning at PKR 81.53 in January and reaching a high of PKR 95.24 in the middle of the year, these variations had a significant effect on the economy, particularly affecting transportation and the daily lives of citizens. Although global oil prices fell later in the year, local fuel costs remained comparatively high due to currency devaluation and local tax regulations. The public’s reaction reflected rising concerns regarding inflation and affordability, highlighting the critical need for stable fuel pricing for economic stability.

سال 2018 پاکستان میں پیٹرول کی قیمتوں میں مسلسل اتار چڑھاو کی خصوصیت تھی، جس کی وجہ تیل کی عالمی قیمتوں میں اضافہ، روپے کی گرتی ہوئی قیمت اور حکومتی پالیسیوں میں تبدیلی تھی۔ جنوری میں PKR 81.53 سے شروع ہو کر اور سال کے وسط میں PKR 95.24 کی بلند ترین سطح تک پہنچنے کے بعد، ان تغیرات نے معیشت پر خاصا اثر ڈالا، خاص طور پر نقل و حمل اور شہریوں کی روزمرہ زندگی کو متاثر کیا۔ اگرچہ سال کے آخر میں عالمی سطح پر تیل کی قیمتیں گر گئیں، لیکن کرنسی کی قدر میں کمی اور مقامی ٹیکس کے ضوابط کی وجہ سے مقامی ایندھن کی قیمتیں نسبتاً زیادہ رہیں۔ عوام کا ردعمل مہنگائی اور استطاعت کے حوالے سے بڑھتے ہوئے خدشات کی عکاسی کرتا ہے، جس سے معاشی استحکام کے لیے ایندھن کی قیمتوں میں استحکام کی اہم ضرورت کو اجاگر کیا گیا ہے۔

FAQ’s

What was the highest petrol price in Pakistan in 2018?
The highest recorded petrol price in 2018 was PKR 95.24 per litre during July and August.

Why did petrol prices increase in 2018?
Prices increased due to rising global oil prices, rupee depreciation, and higher import and tax expenses.

How did rising petrol prices affect daily life in Pakistan?
It resulted in increased transportation fares, higher food costs, and greater financial strain on the public.