Petrol price jump leaves citizens torn between fuel and food

A sharp increase of Rs55 per litre in petroleum prices has intensified the cost of living, with residents reporting higher transport fares and rising prices of daily-use items.

Following the late-night announcement by the government, citizens said the increase had triggered a surge in prices ranging from food items to transport costs.

People also reported disputes at petrol pumps, where attendants were refusing to dispense fuel worth less than one litre. According to residents, many customers asked for petrol worth Rs150 or Rs200, but pump staff declined, saying the nozzle rate is fixed and fuel is either dispensed in smaller or larger quantities, leading to frequent arguments.

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The rise in petrol prices also pushed up the cost of fruits, vegetables and other daily necessities. Shopkeepers said the transport cost of bringing fruits, vegetables and goods had previously been around Rs1,000 per trip but had now increased to between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000.

Drivers providing pick-and-drop services for schoolchildren have also raised their fares, with residents saying the entire burden has shifted to the public.

Citizens said the price increase had made life increasingly difficult, adding that they were struggling to choose between buying fuel and meeting basic household needs.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, residents, including Amir, Babar, Intikhab, Zahoor and Rashid, said salaries were already low while inflation continued to rise.

Amir said he previously bought petrol worth Rs1,000, which lasted about 15 days, but now the same amount would not last even four days.

Rashid, who works in loading and unloading, said work was already scarce and questioned how much more people could afford to pay in transport charges.

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Rickshaw driver Ilyas said passengers often argued over fares and rides were already limited, adding that it would be difficult for passengers to pay Rs500 to Rs1,000 per ride.

Residents also said the government should have considered the impact before increasing prices, adding that although a Rs10,000 relief had been announced for Ramazan, the price hike had taken far more from people’s pockets.