In a late-night address to the nation on Saturday, April 4, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a significant reduction in petrol prices to shield the public from the “doomsday storm” of inflation caused by the 35-day-old Middle East war.
Effective from midnight tonight, the price of petrol will drop from the record high of Rs 458.41 to Rs 378.41 per litre.
⚡️🇵🇰 BREAKING
Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced major relief for the nation by reducing petrol prices by Rs 80, from Rs 458 to Rs 378 — a drop of approximately 17.47%.
He also announced a Rs 100 subsidy for motorcyclists, bringing petrol price for them to Rs 278. pic.twitter.com/GxTemzv3mo
— Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) April 3, 2026
The New Pricing Structure (Effective April 4, 2026)
The Prime Minister exercised executive authority to reduce the Petroleum Levy to provide immediate breathing room for the middle class and the poor.
| Product | Old Price (Rs) | Reduction (Rs) | New Price (Rs) |
| Petrol (92 RON) | 458.41 | – 80.00 | 378.41 |
| High Speed Diesel | 520.35 | 0.00 | 520.35 |
Note: While petrol has seen a massive cut, Diesel prices remain unchanged at Rs 520.35 due to its high import cost and the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Targeted Subsidies & “The National Program”
The Prime Minister detailed a comprehensive support package designed in consultation with all four provincial Chief Ministers and the military leadership:
- Motorcyclists: A direct subsidy of Rs 100 per litre (up to 20 litres per month).
- Public Transport: Monthly cash subsidies of Rs 100,000 for buses and Rs 70,000–80,000 for trucks to prevent fare hikes.
- Agriculture: Small farmers will receive Rs 1,500 per acre to offset the high cost of diesel for tractors and tube wells.
- Railways: Fares for Economy Class will remain frozen at current rates.
Cabinet Austerity: Six Months Without Salary
In a symbolic move of “national sentiment,” the Prime Minister announced that the federal cabinet’s earlier decision to forego their salaries has been extended:
- Duration: Cabinet members will not draw their salaries for the next six months (increased from the previous two-month commitment).
- Goal: To redirect even the smallest national resources toward public welfare during this period of “Total Infrastructure War” in the region.
Impact for Residents of Punjab
- Immediate Price Relief: The Rs 80/litre reduction is expected to lower the daily commuting costs for the thousands of workers in Faisalabad’s textile industry and students.
- Transport Fares: Local administrations in Multan and Faisalabad have been directed to ensure that the benefit of this reduction is passed on to the public through reduced intra-city transport fares.
- 8 PM Market Closure: Despite the petrol relief, the energy crisis persists. The 8:00 PM market closure remains in effect to save electricity as the country grapples with a shortage of furnace oil and gas.
- Supply Chain: With the Oil Tanker Strike looming, this price reduction is seen as a strategic move to pacify transporters. The government is currently in talks to ensure fuel reaches pumps at the new Rs 378 rate by tomorrow morning.
Diplomatic Context: The Peace Summit
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing that the ultimate solution lies in a ceasefire. He praised the “day and night” efforts of Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir in the Islamabad Peace Summit, noting that the safe passage of 20 Pakistani ships through the Strait of Hormuz is the next critical milestone for national stability.
PM Shehbaz Sharif: “I know how a common man works from Fajr to sunset in the scorching sun. We have spent Rs 129 billion in three weeks just to keep this storm away from your door. We will not rest until peace is restored and your life returns to normal.”
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