Pakistan Offers Free Public Transport for 30 Days as Fuel Prices Surge Up to 54%

Apr 4, 2026

Pakistan's government raised petrol prices by 42.7 percent to 485 rupees per litre (approximately US$1.70) on Thursday, with fuel prices surging up to 54 percent due to global oil market impacts from the Iran war. The dramatic increase triggered street protests and long queues of motorcycles at fuel stations across the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reversed course on Friday, announcing free state-run public transport for 30 days in the capital and Punjab, the country's most populous province, as a relief measure for citizens facing the economic burden of higher fuel costs.

Fuel Price Increases and Government Policy Response

▪Pakistan's government raised the price of petrol by 42.7 per cent to 485 rupees per litre on Thursday.
▪Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reversed course on the fuel price increase late on Friday.
▪Pakistan's fuel prices surged up to 54 per cent.
▪Pakistan's government raised fuel prices due to the Iran war.
▪485 rupees per litre equals approximately US$1.70 per litre.

Free Public Transport Initiative

▪Pakistan officials announced the free public transport initiative after the government raised fuel prices.
▪State-run public transport in Pakistan's capital will be free for 30 days.

Public Reaction and Economic Impact

▪Long queues of motorcycles formed at fuel stations in Pakistan following the fuel price increase announced on Thursday.
▪Street protests occurred in Pakistan following the fuel price increase announced on Thursday.

Perspective of Pakistani citizens and protesters

▪Pakistani citizens protested against the 42.7 per cent petrol price increase that would make daily commuting unaffordable for many.
▪The fuel price surge to 485 rupees per litre represented a severe economic burden on ordinary Pakistanis already facing financial hardship.

Perspective of Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's government

▪The Pakistan government's free public transport initiative for 30 days serves as a temporary relief measure to cushion citizens from fuel cost impacts.
▪Shehbaz Sharif's reversal of the fuel price increase and free transport offer aimed to mitigate public anger while managing economic pressures.
▪Pakistan's government justified the initial fuel price increase as necessary due to global oil market disruptions from the Iran war.