By The Government of Pakistan has officially decided to keep fuel prices unchanged for the remainder of January 2026, offering temporary price stability to consumers across the country. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the decision was taken after reviewing recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
Under the latest notification, the price of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) will remain at Rs. 257.08 per litre, while the price of Motor Spirit (MS), commonly known as petrol, will stay unchanged at Rs. 253.17 per litre. These prices will be effective from January 16, 2026, and will remain applicable for the rest of the month.
Fuel prices in Pakistan are revised on a fortnightly basis, taking into account international oil prices, exchange rate movements, and domestic tax considerations. The decision to maintain current prices suggests that the government aims to provide short-term relief to households and businesses, especially at a time when inflationary pressures continue to impact daily living costs.
In the previous fortnightly review at the start of January, consumers had already seen a noticeable reduction in fuel prices. High-speed diesel was reduced by Rs. 8.57 per litre, while petrol witnessed a sharper cut of Rs. 10.28 per litre. These reductions were welcomed by transporters, commuters, and industries that heavily rely on diesel and petrol for operations.
Keeping fuel prices unchanged can have a stabilizing effect on transportation fares and the cost of essential goods, as fuel is a major input in logistics and supply chains. Analysts believe that while global oil prices remain volatile, the government’s current approach reflects a balance between passing on international price movements to consumers and managing fiscal pressures.
For motorists and businesses alike, unchanged petrol and diesel rates for the second half of January 2026 bring predictability in fuel expenses. However, future price revisions will continue to depend on global crude oil trends and economic conditions in the coming weeks.
