An old video of former prime minister Imran Khan has resurfaced online, showing him warning that petrol prices in Pakistan could approach Rs. 500 per litre if a regional war involving Iran were to occur.
The prediction has gained renewed attention after the Government of Pakistan announced one of the largest fuel price hikes in the country’s history.
Petrol prices have jumped by Rs. 137.23 per litre to reach Rs. 458.40, while high-speed diesel (HSD) has surged by Rs. 184.49 per litre, taking it to Rs. 520.35. Before the increase, petrol was priced at Rs. 321.17 per litre, meaning consumers are now paying over Rs. 137 more per litre. Diesel has seen an even steeper rise, climbing from Rs. 335.86 to above Rs. 520 per litre, marking a record increase.
Alongside the price hike, the government also increased the petroleum levy on petrol from Rs. 106 to Rs. 161 per litre. In contrast, the levy on diesel has largely been removed, except for a Rs. 2.5 per litre carbon tax.
Fuel prices have shown a steady upward trend in recent weeks, with increases recorded in four out of the last six official revisions.
The latest surge has reignited political debate, with many pointing to Imran Khan’s earlier remarks as a warning that rising global tensions, particularly involving Iran, could significantly impact fuel prices in Pakistan. While petrol has not yet reached the Rs. 500 mark, current prices are now approaching that level.
