In a move that brings some relief to the public, the government has announced a reduction in fuel prices, just days after a sharp increase of nearly Rs. 20 per litre had triggered widespread frustration. The latest adjustment, which took effect on Wednesday night, brought down the price of petrol by Rs. 9 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) saw a smaller reduction of Rs. 1.77 per litre.
The relief comes after a series of back-to-back fuel price hikes that have burdened households and businesses alike. On June 1, the price of petrol stood at Rs. 253.63 per litre, and high-speed diesel was priced at Rs. 254.64 per litre. Since then, prices have been revised multiple times, resulting in a cumulative increase. By July 15, the price of petrol had risen by Rs. 18.52 per litre, reflecting the growing pressure of international oil market fluctuations and the local currency’s depreciation.
The previous increase of nearly Rs. 19.95 per litre in a single revision had drawn criticism from the transport sector, traders, and salaried individuals already struggling with the effects of inflation. That hike led to a direct rise in transportation fares and the cost of goods, which prompted calls for immediate relief. The government’s latest decision, while not fully reversing the impact, has been seen as a step toward easing the pressure on citizens, particularly those in low- and middle-income brackets.
According to government sources, the price changes are part of the routine fortnightly review of fuel prices, which are adjusted in line with global crude oil trends, import costs, and exchange rate fluctuations. Officials stated that the recent reduction reflects minor improvements in the international market and efforts to pass on the benefit to the domestic consumer.
Despite this cut, public opinion remains mixed. Many welcome the move as a temporary relief but argue that it does little to address the deeper issues of price instability and lack of energy policy reform. Economists and energy analysts have repeatedly emphasized the need for a more sustainable pricing framework that can protect consumers from the shock of global oil price surges.
With inflation already hitting the average household hard through higher food and electricity bills, fluctuating fuel prices only add to economic uncertainty. For now, the reduction in petrol and diesel rates offers a brief reprieve, but citizens continue to hope for more consistent and long-term solutions in the future.
